Linus L. McDermott, 83, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Mercy One Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation for Linus will be held from 9 until noon on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at St. Martin's Catholic church in Cascade, Iowa.  Services for Linus will follow at noon with Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding, and full Military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.  A private burial will be held at a later date.

He was born April 16, 1941, in Bankston, Iowa, son of Ambrose and Ruth (White) McDermott. He received his education from Sacred Heart School in Fillmore until 8th grade.  He went on to attend the Divine Word Seminary in East Troy, WI, for 2 years and made the choice to walk away from what he knew wasn't meant for him. Coming back home, he offered his help to his father on their farm in Fillmore and served in the United States Marine Corps.

On September 26, 1964, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Shirley Laban at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Garryowen. They were blessed with 12 children and a life of adventures together.  He was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works for 37 ½ years and also farmed in the rural Cascade area.

He lived a life with a passion for traveling. He'd create itineraries packed with activities such as: fishing, happy hours, snowmobiling, happy hours, every flea and farmers market they stumbled upon, happy hours, and even the occasional, questionable beach. He found joy in playing cards and confidently declared himself as one of the top three players in the world.  He never hesitated to share his wisdom and educate others, even if the advice was unsolicited. Linus was an entertainer. He loved to bring family and friends together with sing-a-longs and always providing an open bar. He delighted in mischief, never feeling sorry for those he pranked.

Linus was a man of countless hobbies and a creative mind. Always acting as the foreman, his projects required the participation of multiple family members to execute his vision. These projects included lawn care, gardening, bartending, capturing Kodak moments, and the ever-famous eagle collection. His preferred daily activity was reaching out to several on his contact list to chat or leave a pointless, but cherished, voicemail.

He was a member of St. Matthias Parish in Cascade, and a member of the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley McDermott of Cascade; twelve children, Ken (Karen) McDermott of Cascade, Janet (Chris) Silge of West Palm Beach, FL, Tim (Sheila) McDermott of Bernard, Mike (Jill) McDermott of Monticello, Dan (Lynn) McDermott of Cascade, Laura (Bart) Barner of Springville, Jen (Brandon) Egan of Mediapolis, Mary Lynne (Jeff) Wulfekuhle of Farley, Marty (Jackie) McDermott of Cedar Rapids, Jolene (Matt) Lodding of Downers Grove, IL, Julie (Brent) Koopmann of Epworth, and Anne (Nick) Mendelke of Marion; 27 grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; 9 step great grandchildren; three siblings, Rev. Joseph McDermott, SVD of Techney, IL,Patrick (Patricia) McDermott of Epworth, and Bea (Richard) Soens of Dubuque; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy McDermott of Menominee, IL, and Maureen McDermott of Manchester, MO; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Joe (Linda) Laban and Bob (Mary Lee) Laban both of Bernard, Kathy (Gary) Wosoba of Monmouth, Micki (Steve) Roe of Anamosa, Bill (Janet) Laban of Dubuque, and Julie (Greg) Leytem of Swisher.

He is preceded in death by his parents; three grandchildren, Ryder Mendelke, Morgan and Blake McDermott; five brothers, Michael (Lois) McDermott, Jerome "Jerry" McDermott, Thomas (Erica) McDermott, Anthony "Tony" McDermott and Chuck McDermott; three sisters, Mary Joan (Jim) Ernst, Helen Ann (Don) Kramer and Frances (David) Raab; his father and mother-in-law, Andy and Helen (Otting) Laban and a sister-in-law, Mary Katherine Laban.

The family would like to thank the Cascade EMS Services and MercyOne Emergency Room Doctors and Staff for their kindness and impeccable care.

An online video tribute may be viewed, and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com