Gladys Alrena Linde was called to her heavenly home on May 10, 2022. She loved her Savior, family, church and friends. A longtime resident of Anoka, Minnesota, Gladys had just celebrated her 100th birthday this past December, 2021.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Lawrence Linde in 2006 after 60 years of marriage. She is survived by her daughter and two sons: Marlys (Don) Rainbow of Anoka, MN; Orin (Roxene) Linde of Stuart, Florida; and Wayne (Jane) Linde of Sarasota, Florida. Grandma Linde will be remembered by 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Her love of her Lord moved her great generosity and love to her family, friends and neighbors.

Gladys grew up in Cushing, Minnesota with her loving, Swedish parents, Oscar and Edna Lagerquist along with older brother, Lorence and younger sister, Charlotte. Growing up on a farm, she was a precocious child with a lot of energy, understanding the meaning of words like work, respect and fun. She loved music, singing and playing the piano through much of her early childhood. Her piano talents were used by the local church and any home gatherings where a piano was present.

Gladys moved to the Twin Cities during her college-age years. After a missed diagnosis of tuberculosis, she was turned down admission into nursing school which had been one of her goals. She attended Bethel College in St. Paul while working in a doctor's office to pay for expenses. When WWII ended she met a tall, handsome Marine named Lawrence. These two members of the "greatest generation" married and began a life together in Anoka, working and loving each other while raising three children.

Worshipping at First Baptist Church became a mainstay in the Linde family. Pointing the kids to Christ's grace, mercy and salvation was a goal of church and daily life. Gladys taught Sunday School to a group of young girls, some of whom she stayed in contact up to her death. Through her years she has mentored, prayed for and been a friend to young and old in and out of the church.

As her senior citizen years approached, Gladys continued making phone calls and writing many, many notes of encouragement to the ones she loved. She did not miss sending a birthday card (with a little cash!) to her kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her sense of humor was always clever and positive while her memory was unmatched.

Gladys spent the last three years of her life at The Farmstead Senior Living in Andover, MN. It was there she loved making new memories and friends and even playing the piano to the residents in their memory care. Yes, the little musician from Cushing, Minnesota played music through the decades until the Lord brought her home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to First Baptist of Anoka or Camp Lebanon, Burtrum, MN. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Anoka, 1235 Park Street, Anoka on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 9 am.