Michael Owen Linton

Michael O. Linton, age 80, of Rice Lake and formerly of Sarona, WI, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Barron Care and Rehabilitation.  

Michael Owen Linton was born December 20, 1945, in Rice Lake, WI, the son of Michael and Doris (Melton) Linton.  He was raised in northern Wisconsin and attended schools in Sarona and then Shell Lake, WI, where he graduated in 1964. Mike worked in Spooner for a time before going to Tomah where he began work in telecommunications as a cable splicer. He would work in this capacity in Tomah, Cadott, and Chetek, Wisconsin, before he would retire.  While living in Chetek, Mike served as city mayor.  While Mike lived in other communities, he always had a cabin in Sarona, WI, and eventually made his retirement home in Sarona. He liked to hunt, fish and go camping. He loved his dogs, horses, cattle and rabbits that he raised.  Mike was joined in marriage to Clarice Jacobson for 43 years.  

Mike is survived by his son, Michael “Mickey” Linton of Eau Claire; one grandson, Travis; two brothers, Lynn (Sandra) Linton of Rice Lake, WI, and Steve (Lotta) Linton of Sweden; several nieces and nephews; and special friend Terri Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lori; and his wife, Clarice.

A gathering celebrating Michael’s life will be held at Getaway Bar in Sarona on Saturday, August 1, 2026, 1:00-4:00pm, with a brief time of sharing at 3:00pm.

Michael O. Linton

Michael O. Linton, age 80, of Rice Lake and formerly of Sarona, WI, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Barron Care and Rehabilitation.  

Michael Owen Linton was born December 20, 1945, in Rice Lake, WI, the son of Michael and Doris (Melton) Linton.  He was raised in northern Wisconsin and attended schools in Sarona and then Shell Lake, WI, where he graduated in 1964. Mike worked in Spooner for a time before going to Tomah where he began work in telecommunications as a cable splicer. He would work in this capacity in Tomah, Cadott, and Chetek, Wisconsin, before he would retire.  While living in Chetek, Mike served as city mayor.  While Mike lived in other communities, he always had a cabin in Sarona, WI, and eventually made his retirement home in Sarona. He liked to hunt, fish and go camping. He loved his dogs, horses, cattle and rabbits that he raised.  Mike was joined in marriage to Clarice Jacobson for 43 years.  
Mike is survived by his son, Michael “Mickey” Linton of Eau Claire; one grandson, Travis; two brothers, Lynn (Sandra) Linton of Rice Lake, WI, and Steve (Lotta) Linton of Sweden; several nieces and nephews; and special friend Terri Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lori; and his wife, Clarice.

A gathering celebrating Michael’s life will be held at Getaway Bar in Sarona on Saturday, August 1, 2026, 1:00-4:00pm, with a brief time of sharing at 3:00pm.

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