After a career as Executive Vice President of an international engine company, author (and Central High class of 1964 alumnus) Kenneth Linde's writing career began as nothing more than memories of events and circumstances, feelings and beliefs, surrounding a near-death experience and his fight against cancer, where the thoughts and emotions fostered a passion that saw him on a prolific trail of publishing seven books in less than four years.

Under the “Waldwick” moniker, Linde’s books are historical fiction set in Madison and Southern Wisconsin, where he takes actual events from 1826 to today and adds fictional characters and how they were affected by the events that happened.

Under the titles, “Waldwick,” “War of My Brothers,” “Little Spirit,” “Driftless” and “The Hayflick Limit” subjects such as oppression, racial prejudice, eminent domain, the rights of terminally ill, extreme wealth and bio-ethics are addressed.

Linde replied, “I proudly attended Washington Elementary school and remember the building fondly and included it in “War of My Brothers.” Everything from the building’s exterior to the cork floor library to even the inlaid tile remain fond memories.” “I matriculated to Madison Central and graduated in 1964 and then attended the UW earning a degree in communications." He continued:

"While Central High’s facilities weren’t the greatest, the teachers certainly were, as they not only educated but motivated many of us to become more than we ever dreamed possible with numerous doctors, lawyers, educators, researchers and business leaders evolving from our small class. Even with what so many achieved, the greatest lesson learned was the acceptance of others in a class that was a tapestry of races, religions and socio-economic levels who all got along simply because we were taught to judge each other by who we were instead of what we were.”

Giving Back

Upon facing death in 2010, Linde made a vow to begin giving back. In so doing, he created Waldwick Partners that is involved in:

• Motivational Speaking: As a seasoned public speaker, Linde has melded thought and humor into a presentation on leadership that he offers for the sum of $1.00 to any school, church or social organization and also makes presentations at libraries and book clubs, free-of-charge
• Free Tutorials: Linde offers the books “Survivor” and “Never Say Never” which deal with physical and mental health in their electronic versions for free, simply by contacting him at [email protected].
• Make-A-Wish: While there is a retail cost for his five printed books, all net proceeds are donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation.
• Voice-Over Narrations: Beyond his writing, Linde also does voice-over narrations for training videos and donates his fees to MADD in memory of those who have a drinking problem.
• Mentoring: Via the internet, Linde assists those with prostate cancer for free, only requiring that they '''not''' provide their last names, where they live, race, religion or orientation and only answer the question “How Can I help you?" while providing insight on the road they travel, that he once walked alone.

Having extensively travelled globally, when the question arises “where are you from,” Linde always elicits the same reply: “We live in Illinois, but are from Madison, Wisconsin, which will always be home.”

The Madison Public Schools Friends & Alumni Network is proud to count Linde as an alum!