Lynda A. (Lenkaitis) Markut, 76

Lynda A. (Lenkaitis) Markut, age 76, passed away at home surrounded by her family July 20, 2026. She was born on August 12, 1949 in Spring Valley, IL, the daughter of Victor J. and Hellen A. (Skutt) Lenkaitis, Sr. She graduated from Putnam County High School in 1967 and went on to The University of Illinois for her undergraduate and graduated in 1971. On March 11, 1972 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Spring Valley, IL, she was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Michael F. Markut, Jr. They welcomed a daughter, Jeanette in 1975. Lynda attended Northern Illinois University where she obtained her Master of Science degree in 1980.

She lived in Woodstock, IL for the majority of her life and worked as a Social Worker/Clinical Director at Family Alliance in Woodstock. In 2008, she moved with her husband to Clinton, WI to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. While living in Wisconsin, she worked for the Alzheimer Association as a Workplace Education Coordinator until retiring in 2020.

Lynda cared for her mother as well as many, many others who had dementia and/or Alzheimer’s Disease. She coauthored a book in 2005, Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories and was named Women of the Year by the Woodstock Professional and Business Women in 2006. Lynda presented across the United States at many conferences. She will be especially remembered for her compassion, kindness and care to all. She was a proud daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Lynda loved to stay active and spend time in nature, especially gardening, birding, kayaking/canoeing, camping, and cross-country skiing. She also loved to bake and cook for friends and loved ones. She was into storytelling and spoke at the Illinois Storytelling Festival. Lynda was proud of her Lithuanian heritage and practiced many traditions with her family. She was very outgoing and had a heart of gold. She will be missed immensely by all who were blessed to have known her.

Lynda is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, Michael; daughter, Jeanette (Heath) Troha; grandchildren, Allen and Annastasia Troha; sisters in law, Jane and MaryEtta Lenkaitis; and numerous other extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings: Eleanor Hopkins, Victor Lenkaitis, Jr. and Albert Lenkaitis.

A memorial celebration will be held on August 22, 2026 from 1pm to 6pm at Rotary Botanical Gardens in 1455 Palmer Dr. Janesville, WI 53545. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com