Linda A. Giesen

Linda A. Giesen, of Dixon, IL, died June 18, 2026, in her sleep at home, having lived a life full of love, joy, faith and public service. Linda was born November 28th, 1951 in Minneapolis and was raised in Delano, Minnesota where she spent her youth. She earned a bachelor’s degree and membership in Phi Kappa Phi at Southern Illinois University followed by master’s degree in criminology at Indiana State University. Working in criminal justice and the legal profession would become her passion for next fifty years. She began her career in the field of corrections working with juveniles who were on probation, then in halfway houses and prisons. At age 27 she was appointed as warden of the Dwight Correctional Center for women. In 1982 Linda was selected to be the first female warden of an Illinois men’s prison, the Dixon Correctional Center. In Dixon, she met her future husband, the late Henry S. Dixon. After leaving the Illinois Corrections System, she was an Assistant Professor of Criminology at Sauk Valley College before earning a Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa. She then joined her husband in the practice of law in northern Illinois. Her law career spanned over 30 years, during which she was elected and served as Lee County State’s Attorney from 2000 to 2004. Linda was a voracious reader, loved traveling and skiing, and was a committed member of Rotary International Chapter #3064 in Dixon. She was the past President of the Dixon Rotary Club, participated in a Rotary Service Trip to Nigeria and was the Chair of the Rotary District Annual Foundation Fund. She would spend much of her time at the family cabin on the Rock River where she enjoyed hosting family and friends. Linda was a devoted wife, daughter, stepmother, and grandmother and was deeply committed to her family throughout her life. Linda was preceded in death by her husband Henry S. Dixon, her parents Earl and Patricia Giesen, and her two siblings, Jim Giesen and Mary Giesen. She is survived by her sister-in-law Judy Giesen, stepchildren, Kerry Dixon of Iowa City, Iowa, Robert (Sherry) Dixon of Stuttgart, Germany, and Henry (Mary Pat) Dixon of Fort Bliss, Texas, and her adored grandson Jackson Fox of Chicago. Linda remained a loving and loyal aunt to numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and their families. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services will be Friday, June 26, at 11:30 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 25 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at the Holloway Center adjacent to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Linda’s honor to the Dixon Habitat for Humanity, St. Vincent de Paul Society, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon

Linda A. Giesen

November 28, 1951 - June 18, 2026