Lt. Linda K. Kokemuller Retired, USNR

Lt. Linda K. Kokemuller Retired, USNR PORTLAND -- Lt. Linda K. Kokemuller, Retired, USNR, passed away Jan. 1, 2010, in Portland, after a hard fought battle with ovarian cancer.

Linda was born in Savanna, Ill. on Sept. 1, 1952, to Kermit and Helen Kokemuller. She was preceded in death by both parents and a brother, Brent Kokemuller. She is survived by brothers Roger Kokemuller (Sharon) of Keokuk, Iowa, Ron Kokemuller of Clinton, Iowa, by sister Janet Scott (Ron) of Pleasant Valley, Mo.; eight nieces and nephews and many, many good friends.

Linda grew up in Miles and Clinton, Iowa, graduating from Clinton High School in 1970. She attended the University of Iowa, graduating in 1974, and was a lifelong Hawkeye fan. She joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in the Azores with the Naval Security Group Activity from February 1976 through May 1977. She was released from active duty in Winter Harbor in September 1979 and transferred into the Naval Reserves, retiring in May, 1995. After attaining a master's degree from the University of Iowa she returned to Maine working for LL Bean, the USPS, and finally with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection as an Environmental Specialist IV, Supervisor of Land Licensing, Portland Regional Office.

Through Linda's work at the DEP she advanced programs protecting wildlife habitat, wetlands, sand dunes, and stream areas. In describing her contributions, DEP Commissioner David Littell stated 'Linda has a well-earned reputation as one of the DEP's most capable managers who had a talent for turning generic regulations on emerging resource protection issues into enforceable State programs that are among the best in the country. Most importantly she was a tremendous friend, colleague and mentor to many in the DEP and other state resource agencies.' Linda retired from the DEP in May 2009.

Her last words on New Year's Eve Day were with friends from the DEP having a champagne toast to the New Year. Linda loved to travel and never let dust settle under her feet between trips. She used summer vacations from college to work in National Parks and her leave in the Navy to travel Europe. Her last trip was in December using a wheelchair to change planes in the airports, but she made it.

Her final request for her headstone are a globe and the words, 'gone traveling.' A celebration of Linda's life will be held on Chebeague Island this spring at a date to be announced later. Burial services in Miles, Iowa, will be announced later as well. Memorial contributions may be made to: The Maine Coast Heritage Trust 70 Russell Ave. Rockport, Maine 04856