Linda Clara Trondson

Linda Clara Trondson (née Benson) was born on December 29, 1946, in Estherville, Iowa, to Silas and Nina Benson. She grew up in southwestern Minnesota alongside her siblings—brother Leneard and sisters Darlene and Pauline—graduating from high school in Lakefield before continuing her education at Worthington Community College.

In 1966, Linda married Richard Trondson. As a young man, Dick once joked that it would be a cold day in hell when he got married—and as it turned out, their wedding day arrived during a major blizzard. It was a fitting beginning to a marriage marked by humor, resilience, and enduring partnership. Dick and Linda would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this March.

Throughout her life, Linda held a variety of jobs, including working as a grocery store sample lady, in clothing sales, as a secretary, librarian and story hour reader, and as a paraprofessional in the Lakefield and Belle Plaine school districts. Whatever the role, she brought enthusiasm, creativity, and care to all her endeavors. She also expressed her creativity through writing, authoring two children’s books as well as a memoir filled with humorous anecdotes.

Linda was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She enjoyed decorating for the holidays and was a true social butterfly, known for her warmth, conversation, and ability to make others feel welcome. She was the devoted mother of three children: Shelly (Darby), Shane (Candace), and Ryan (Michelle). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Griffin, Willem, Owen, Libby, Alexander, and Archer. She also shared many special relationships with her nieces and nephews, each of whom held a cherished place in her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Silas and Nina Benson; her brother, Leneard; and her sister, Darlene.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held in the spring, when the world is returning to beauty, with details to be shared at a later time.

Linda will be remembered for her sense of humor, her joy for life, and the warmth she brought to everyone lucky enough to know her.