Ronald Morris Linde

Ronald Morris Linde, 81, of Albert Lea, passed away unexpectedly on November 18, 2025. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home at 1PM with visitation to be held for an hour prior to the service. Burial shall be held at Hillcrest Cemetery. Pastor Brandon Schettler will be officiating.

Ron was born on May 2, 1944, at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea to Thelma Nelette (Lee) and Morris Linde. He grew up in Albert Lea, graduating from Albert Lea Senior High School with the Class of 1961. That same summer, in July 1961, Ron and his good friend Mike Hoiseth enlisted in the United States Army. He served honorably until his discharge in August 1964.

In 1967 Ron married Bonita Klukow, and together they welcomed two sons, Scott and Jeff. In 1989 he married Merilynn “Mimi” Snow at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Ron and Mimi shared 36 wonderful years of marriage until his passing.

For 34 years Ron was a familiar and beloved face at Naeve Hospital (later part of Mayo Clinic Health System–Albert Lea), where he worked on the maintenance staff. Known for his ever-present smile and warm hugs, he brightened the days of patients, visitors, and coworkers alike.

Ron deeply loved his hometown of Albert Lea and was a proud, active member of the Eagles, VFW, American Legion, and Moose clubs, always ready to volunteer whenever help was needed. He never missed the city’s Fourth of July fireworks and cherished time spent with friends and neighbors.

A devoted Minnesota sports fan, Ron cheered loudly for the Twins, Vikings, Gophers, Timberwolves, and Wild. At home, he adored all of his pets through the years, with a special place in his heart for his Yorkshire Terrier, Annabelle.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Thelma Linde; sisters Marlene Roberts and Betty Lowe; and brothers Lee “Butch” Linde and Gene Linde.

He is survived by his loving wife, Merilynn “Mimi” Linde; brother Gerry Linde (Vicki) and niece Melanie; sons Scott Linde (Barbi) and Jeff Linde (Lori); stepdaughters Amy Snow and Laurie (Rob) Abbe; and grandchildren Ethan Abbe, Emily Abbe, Ted Linde, Roxi Linde, Tiffani Linde, Payton Linde, Danica Linde, Maddi Linde, and Alexis Pestorious, along with many friends who were like family.

Ron will be remembered for his kind heart, ready laugh, and the countless ways he made Albert Lea a warmer, friendlier place. He leaves behind a community that was truly better because he was part of it.