It is with sadness that we announce the passing of a remarkable lady. Linn was surrounded by family at the Ida Emmerson Hospice House of Humboldt on December 19, 2024.

She was born on January 6, 1943 in Redding, to Werner Holmquist and Norene Cave, Humboldt pioneers. As a child, Linn spent lots of time visiting her Grandpa Richard and Grandma Grace Cave in Eureka on L Street and her Auntie Emogene and Uncle Larry Wing. They’d pick wild blackberries and make jelly and pie.

Linn graduated from UC Davis in education, and began teaching at a DOD school in Kuwait. Upon return to the US, she taught elementary school in San Jose. Linn retired from teaching, and later worked as a travel agent and executive secretary.

She married Richard Duske in 1975, and became stepmother to his three children. Linn and Dick moved about a bit, but finally settled into retirement in Florence, Oregon.

In 2023, Linn moved to Frye’s memory care unit in Eureka. She loved Frye’s rose garden, having her wheelchair pushed through Murphy’s Market, and taking driving tours around town.

She celebrated her 81st birthday with a burger and hot fudge sundae at Fresh Freeze in Henderson Center with her 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cousins: Dennis and Elizabeth Wing; Carrie, Erich, Will, Ben, and Grace Allen; Tiffany, Matt, Luke, and Gigi Grinstaff; Jenni, Tim, Anna, Sophia, and Gabbi Grimmett.

Above all, Linn was loved by her family. She is survived by cousins, Dennis and Elizabeth Wing and children, stepchildren: Peggy, June, Marc; step grandchildren: Alicia, Becky, Ryan; and dear friends, Dee and Bert.

She is preceded in death by her husband Richard Duske. Linn will share the Duske niche with her husband at Sunset Memorial Park in Eureka. She will be missed, and her memory cherished.

Funeral services will be handled by Humboldt Cremation and Funeral Services, 3975 Broadway St, Eureka. A memorial service will be arranged at a future date.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Linn Duske’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.