Louise Hart

Linda Louise Hart, 88, of Winterset, passed away Monday, November 2, 2026, at Azria Health in Winterset. Known affectionately to many throughout her life as Louise, and warmly nicknamed "Shorty" by her father, she spent her entire life rooted in the heart of Madison County.

Louise was born on April 6, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Levi and Eva (Patterson) Fisher. She grew up in Macksburg, where her childhood home notably featured the very first television set in town. A proud graduate of Macksburg High School’s class of 1956, she shared her musical gifts early on, singing alto in a high school trio. She went on to further her education at University of Northern Iowa/Iowa Teachers College.

It was in Macksburg that she caught the eye of John Hart, who won her heart by chasing her around the town park on crutches following a car accident. The two were united in marriage on June 29, 1958, in Macksburg, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned over six decades.

Throughout her life, Louise dedicated much of her career to nurturing the next generation, working with the County Childcare Food Program, conducting home visits to support childcare providers. Deeply observant of children's learning needs, she established the first remedial reading program for the Winterset Community School District, dedicating countless hours to working one-on-one and in small groups to help elementary students succeed.

Faith and music were central to her life. She loved singing church hymns, sharing her rich alto voice to create beautiful mother-daughter harmonies and passing down a lifelong love of song. Above all, Louise was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose patience and steady grace anchored her family.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, John Hart; her three daughters, Luanne (Brent) Hitchcock, DeeDee (Tim) Dohlman, and Janelle (Jeremy) Goemaat; her sister, Carolyn Thrailkill; six grandchildren, Amy (Jeff) Longman, Jason Dohlman, Nick (Lindsay) Dohlman, Gunner Goemaat (Molly Shahan), Gabby Goemaat (Tyson Tomlinson), and Gigi Goemaat; and her great-granddaughter, Emma Louise Longman.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Eva Fisher, and her sister, Carla Sawyer.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church in Winterset, with a visitation greeting family and friends from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Winterset Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation.