Posted: Nov. 16, 2009 |(0) Comments

Muskego — The generosity of friends and even strangers has made it a little easier for the family of Robert Linsky, 19, to bear the grief of his body being found near a bicycle path in Muskego on Oct. 29, his stepfather said last week.

In lieu of flowers at Linsky's Nov. 5 funeral, the family asked for donations for the organizations that had helped the young man so much.

A total of more than $1,100 had poured in as of last week, said Linsky's stepfather, Thomas Barney.

It will all go toward feeding people.

A shelter in Waukesha where Linsky lived for a while will get a good-sized share. Meal programs run by the Salvation Army and the Cooperating Congregations of Waukesha County also will benefit, he said.

"They fed him," Barney said. "It's called turnabout."

Businesses help out

Also, he and the director of the Muskego food pantry will go shopping for Thanksgiving turkeys and the trimmings, he said.

"It's the same thing Robert would have done," Barney said.

And those donated dollars will be stretched farther than he ever could have imagined, thanks to the Piggly Wiggly store at W13700 Janesville Road, which is giving Barney low prices, he said. He also is thankful to the Pick 'n Save at W17005 Janesville Road, which made a contribution, and to Kwik Trip, W18884 Janesville Road, which is giving the family pizzas at half price. And Mamma Mia's in Brookfield at 18880 W. Bluemound Road has donated a party tray.

"These people were there as a help because I told them I was going to feed people," Barney said.

With the help of these and many more, the pain the family feels from the loss of their son is turning into something good and helpful, Barney said.

Investigation continues

Authorities are still trying to sort out what happened to the young man who helped everyone, Muskego Police Chief Paul Geiszler said last week.

The teen's body was found in woods near the bike path in the 18700 block of Janesville Road. Toxicology tests are being performed and the results will not be known for weeks, Geiszler said.

Linsky was a senior at Muskego High School. He was making plans to become a nurse.

Pursuing a career in helping people was just like his stepson, Barney said.

"He was right there to lend a hand to anyone who needed it," he said.

For example, Linsky helped teach children in wheelchairs how to fish in an event sponsored by the Lakeshore Fisherman's Sports Club, Barney said.

And many people came forward at the funeral saying how much the teen had meant to them.

"All we heard from adults we had never met was how he helped," Barney said. More than 175 people attended Linsky's funeral.

 

- Jane Ford-Stewart