Carol Ann Linkner

Carol Ann Linkner of Charlotte, NC, age 79, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday March 6, 2022. A service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday March 12, 2022 at Sharon Presbyterian Church – 5201 Sharon Rd. in Charlotte. A reception will immediately follow.

Carol was born in Des Moines, IA and grew up just east in the beautiful farmland of Prairie City. She was the daughter of proud parents Kenneth and Katherine Messmaker who preceded her in death. After graduating from Prairie City Community High School, Carol pursued her dreams of travel and living in the big city of New York working for American Airlines. Not long after arriving in the Big Apple, she met her lifetime soulmate and best friend, Bob. Carol and Bob were married 47 years before his unexpected passing in 2012.     

A devoted homemaker, mother, wife, and “chauffer” to three active children, Carol always kept a witty sense of humor about her. She enjoyed traveling with her husband for both leisure and business. When traveling with Bob on business she coordinated social gatherings and entertainment, and through those events built lifelong friendships. In 2007 Carol was presented the annual Jean Seals Service Award by the NC Chapter of APWA for her outstanding contributions and support as a non-member.    

Referred to as “GaGa” by her six grandchildren, she always made visiting her a very special treat, coming up with fun crafts, baking goodies, and playing games. There was never a dull moment at GaGa’s House. In addition to her enjoyment of travel, and spending quality time with her friends and family, Carol was an avid reader, loved the beach, and playing the slots.    

Carol is survived by her daughter Kim Lundquist and husband John (sons Austin and Eric) of Moore, SC, son Brit Linkner and wife Kim (sons Zac and Jay) of Huntersville, NC, son Kent Linkner and wife Alison (son Matt and daughter Marlie) of Wilmington, NC, sister Beverly Osborn of Riverside, CA, and brother Ken Messmaker of Granger, IA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of two charities:

Levine Children’s Hospital

1000 Blythe Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28203

(Please make a check payable to LCH FUND and write Carol’s name on the memo line)

The American Heart Association

128 S. Tryon St., Suite 1588

Charlotte, NC 28202

(“local office” on the memo line)