Linda Louise Meetz

Obituary For Linda Louise Meetz

Linda Louise Willett Meetz, 79, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, in Ames, Iowa.

Services are pending.

Linda was born on July 18, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Donald and Marjorie (Wolf) Willett. The family moved to Mason City, Iowa, where Linda and her four siblings grew up and formed numerous friendships.

A graduate of Mason City High School, Linda had an opportunity to work for Leslie 'Les' Boomhauer as secretary of the Pony of the Americas Registry Foundation of Mason City, Iowa. Linda also worked for a time at the Blackmore Nursery and Garden Center in Mason City and spent some of that time with Alice Blackmore, caring for homeless pets.

After graduating high school Linda became a student at the Equestrian Riding Academy Center, located near Chicago, Illinois, where she honed her equestrian skills as a hunter jumper and riding instructor. Following this, Linda attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, earning her bachelor’s degree in English. Upon returning to Mason City, she taught middle school English for a year at Saint Joseph Catholic School.

The following year, Linda accepted a position at Iowa State University in Ames and joined the Parks Library staff in the Government Publications section. Within a year Linda accepted a new position at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (ISU CVM) Library where she served as Library Assistant.

Linda took her library roll seriously, helping undergraduate and graduate students, while working with world class veterinarians. She especially enjoyed helping veterinary students and the many other students from the various university colleges, in locating articles, journals, and texts appropriate for their research, classroom teaching, and professional service. Linda was delighted by the number of international colleagues and student friendships she made over those years.

Linda was the first support staff member to receive the Gentle Doctor Award; recognized by the veterinary students for her contributions and service to their profession.

Toward the end of her career, Linda assisted Dr. George Beran, DVM, with an exhibit he had developed for the ISU CVM Museum associated with the college library. Occasionally, Dr. Beran would ask Linda to accompany visiting veterinarians and other professionals to view the museum displays.

On May 5th, 1979, Linda married Michael (Mike) Meetz at Northminster Presbyterian Church (NMPC) in Ames, Iowa, with Pastor Warren Frohm officiating.

The couple lived on a rented acreage west of Ames and later purchased a small acreage northeast of Ames. They later acquired the remaining portion of the surrounding 40-acre parcel. The following year they converted the monoculture crop ground into a native local ecotype prairie reconstruction. Their efforts were recognized by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, which presented Mike and Linda with the Lawrence & Eula Hagie Conservation Heritage Award for their efforts.

Linda enjoyed working with young people, and for a number of years Linda and Mike served as youth leaders at NMP church. Linda accompanied the youth on some Habitat for Humanity projects and other local community activities. After completing her career at the veterinary college library, Linda continued her association with youth by teaching horse riding lessons and served for a time as a volunteer with the One Heart Equestrian program. Linda also volunteered with Story County Conservation as an aide, helping naturalists with various youth programs.

Dogs and cats were a part of Linda’s daily life, but her true passion for the equine was evident from the number of horses she owned, enjoyed, and shared with the youth of her family and neighborhood. She instilled in the novice rider the importance of sound animal care, management basics, and riding instruction. Linda was an active member of the Arabian Horse Association of Iowa, serving on the Board as Secretary, Vice President and President.

An avid reader, Linda always had a book by her chair or in her handbag. She also enjoyed a large variety of music. Some of her favorites ranged from Debussy and Smetana to John Denver, Robin and Linda Williams, Joan Baez, and Judy Collins.

Linda enjoyed viewing wildlife and feeding and watching the countless birds. Some favorites included the American Goldfinch, Black-capped Chickadee, and the Northern Cardinal.

Linda is survived by her husband, Mike; sister, Sandra Wilson Shriver (John Carlton); brothers, Thomas, Doug and Bruce Willett; niece, Macy Moore Wilson; and numerous cousins, including Steven Ayres, Susan Ayres Kirby, Julie Jones Wolf, Mary Sue Jones Eisenhardt, and Jeff Jones.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents.

The Family thanks the staff members of Home Instead Senior Care, Northcrest Heartwood Home, and St. Croix Hospice for sharing their love and compassion caring for Linda.

Memorial contributions in Linda’s honor may be made to one of several of her favorite organizations: Northminster Presbyterian Church, 1416 20th street, Ames, IA 50201; The Heartwood House Endowment Fund-Northcrest Foundation, 2300 Northcrest Parkway Ames, IA 50010; The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, 505 5th Ave #444, Des Moines, IA 50309; or to Michael Meetz, 20267 580th Avenue Nevada, IA for distribution to her favorite charities.

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