Linden Churchill

linden  churchill
Prayer Service:
Linden Dale Churchill, age 87, of Fargo, North Dakota went to his heavenly home on April 22, 2022. He passed away peacefully at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo alongside his family and pastor. The family sent him to heaven singing Amazing Grace. Linden was born on March 18, 1935, in Traverse County, Minnesota to Oscar Leland and Anna Wilhelmina (Zimmerman) Churchill. He was a baptized member of the Eden Reformed Church in Herman, attended country school in rural Traverse County, and Herman High School in Herman, Minnesota, graduating in 1955. Linden enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 1957 at Fort Leonard Wood Military Base in Missouri for basic training and was discharged in 1963. On June 21, 1958, Linden married the love of his life, Karene Rose Henrichs of Morris, Minnesota at Peace Lutheran Church in Morris. The couple made their home in Herman from 1958 to 2012. Linden and Karene were active members of Bethel Lutheran Church in Herman and participated on the church board and in the choir. Linden farmed with his dad in rural Traverse County until 1959 and then worked at Herman Market Company from 1959 to 1970. Linden joined GTA Feeds and received several sales awards for his exceptional performance. After his career with GTA Feeds, he worked for Blume Equipment for a year and returned to farming in 1982 until he later retired. Linden also worked for Backman Seeds and covered many miles as a beet truck driver for Blume Farms of Herman. Linden served the Herman Community as a member of the Herman Fire Department from 1966 to 1988, City Council from 1972 to 1983, and City Mayor from 1984 to 2012. Linden was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Wheaton, Minnesota since 1956, American Legion Post 378 in Herman, and Eastern Star in Morris. Linden and Karene received the Herman Odd Fellows Hall of Fame award in 1999. Linden and Karene were long time supporters of Grant Count 4-H. They supported their three girls with countless 4-H projects, served as Progressive 4-H Club leaders, and later managed the 4-H Food Stand for more than 20 years. Linden had numerous hobbies and loved the arts. In high school he played football for the Herman High School Panthers and participated in speech. He sang with the Men’s Choir in Morris, Alphean Male Chorus in Wahpeton, North Dakota, Bethel Lutheran Church in Herman, Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo, and the Touchmark Retirement Home’s choir. Linden put his comedic ways to wonderful use as a member of plays in high school, 4-H, Herman Community Theater, and Prairie Wind Players in Barrett, Minnesota. He served as one of Santa’s elves dressing up as Santa Claus each Christmas. Throughout his life he enjoyed raising an amazing vegetable and flower garden and could raise the most beautiful roses. Red was his all-time favorite. Following their retirement, Linden and Karene moved to West Fargo, North Dakota in 2012 to be closer to their family. In 2021, they transitioned to Touchmark Retirement Living in Fargo. Lindy was a “tell it like it is” kind of guy who was tenacious and coupled that with a quick wit and laugh. He was a family guy – in the sense that if you were a friend, you were also family. People experienced his love, caring, compassion, and even protectiveness for those that he loved. He also prioritized family – if there was an event for one of the kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, he was there cheering them on. Linden was appreciated for the many ways he taught us how to slow down and appreciate life. Linden celebrated his 87th birthday in March, celebrated Easter with the family, and showed such a determination to live life to the fullest until the end. He is an example for how to manage something like Parkinson’s with dignity and not let it be a limitation. Linden was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kenneth Lowell Churchill; Grandparents, Jerry Logan and Orpha (Heller) Churchill and Herman Franz and Minnie H. (Boots) Zimmerman. He is survived by his loving wife, Karene, of Fargo; daughters, Karen (Rod) Engel of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, Kayla (Brian) Werk of Fargo, Kathi (Greg) Salvevold of Moorhead, Minnesota; grandchildren & great grandchildren: Shari Olson (Jacob, Aiden, Grace & Fynn), Katherine & Ryan Smith (Jean), Austin (fiancée Jordan Pris) Engel, Erik Engel; Alexander & Bailey Werk, Aubrie Werk, Andre Werk; Addison Salvevold, Cole Salvevold, Easton Salvevold and many extended family members.

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  1. It was my honor to be a son-in-law to Linden. I will forever remember his laughs, how he enjoyed good food (especially root beer and candy!), and his pure love and joy being with family. Although he will be missed, his gifts live on through us. God’s blessings.

  2. My dear Uncle Lindy, yours was a life well-lived. You set an example of love and friendship and our family has been honored with your presence at every single major event I can think of. Even through challenging times, you always set your sights on the next family celebration. May we rise to that level of love and continue your legacy. You will be missed.

  3. Dear Karene and family,
    We were so saddened to hear of Linden’s passing. We are sending our thoughts and prayers for God’s love and comforting presence for all of you. Heidi Erdahl and Jerry Schwan

  4. Sending our thoughts of sympathy to Karen’s and family. Linden was a great man. i enjoyed serving on city council with him. Doug and Rhoda Miller

  5. My sympathy to Lindy’s family.

    We were high-school classmates. He accomplished a lot and contributed to the quality of life in Herman. it is a blessing to have known him.

    May God hold you in His care

  6. To Karene, Karen, Kayla, Kathy and families…. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May the memories of Lindy warm your hearts and carry you through the hard times. Lindy was such a kind and loving soul. I am honored to have experienced the love he gave to so many — he touched my life in so many ways over the past years and always made me feel like I was part of your family and treated Brady like one of his own grandsons. May you find comfort and peace in knowing Pa is in a better place. I have no doubt he is bringing smiles to many with his humor and picture he and my dad, who passed just a few days before, are talking about family, farming, and all the things that brought joy to their lives. Our love to all of you!

  7. Lindy was always such a funny and friendly family guy. After Pamela and I got married, he would always ask: “when you going to have kids”? I think he stopped asking after our 4th!

  8. Karene and family, you have my deepest sympathy and condolences during this sad time. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. Linden will be deeply missed by the Praise Choir. May God shine His light, love and compassion upon the entire Churchill family.

  9. Thank heavens the Easter promise assures us that death is not the final say. God bless you all on your grief walk. Ann

  10. Our deepest condolences to Karene and family in Linden’s passing. We will miss our good friend and neighbor. May his memory be a blessing. Jill and Larry

  11. I worked with Linden when he was with GTA Feeds back in the late 70’s early 80’s. I remember him as easy going with a very friendly personality. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Dan Bennis


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