Dr. Edward C Linden

Dr. Edward Charles Linden 92, of Willmar, died Friday, September 17th at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. His memorial service will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 9th at Assembly of God in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to his service. Burial will be at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org

Edward Charles Linden was born November 13, 1928, to John and Ellen Linden in Hinckley, Minnesota.  The family moved to Pillager, Minnesota, when Eddie was in the 5th grade, and he graduated from Pillager High School in 1946.  Following graduation he moved to Duluth to complete the pre-dentistry program at Duluth Jr. College and then Minneapolis to complete the dental program at the University of Minnesota.  While he was in dental school, he fell in love with Carmen Corey, a young student in the dental hygiene program.  Following graduation in June of 1952 and a short stint in Cook, Minnesota, practicing dentistry, he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War.  The engaged couple moved their marriage up from May and were married February 28, 1953 at Grace University Lutheran Church.  After training in San Antonio, Texas, they moved to Washington D.C., where Eddie was stationed at Walter Reed Army Hospital.  He loved his service there, and he and Carmen were also excited to welcome their first son, Mark, during their time in D.C..  Eddie was honorably discharged in 1955, and the young Linden family moved back to Minnesota.  They settled in Clara City, where Eddie started his dental practice (which would eventually expand to an additional office in Willmar) and where they happily welcomed three more children:  Mary (who died as a toddler), Thomas, and Jane.  While in Clara City, Eddie was involved in the Lions Club, the American Legion and served as a first responder with the ambulance squad.  He and Carmen also became faithful members at the Willmar Assembly of God Church in 1961.

Along with his love for Carmen and love for the Lord, Eddie deeply loved his family, his dental work, and travel.  During their 68 years of marriage, Eddie and Carmen explored the States and abroad.  They also enjoyed making memories closer to home, at their cabin on Green Lake, where they spent every summer since 1972 - and frequently welcomed friends & family for lake days, holidays, pontoon rides.  Eddie also loved caring for people through his work.  He served the Willmar and Clara City communities for decades and happily practiced dentistry till he was nearly 80 years old.  Above all, though, he was known for his immense love and pride in his grandchildren.  He spent time at their recitals, concerts, soccer & baseball games, and ice competitions - and he was happiest when the whole family was enjoying time together at the lake.  A few favorite memories include celebrating Eddie and Carmen’s 50th wedding anniversary with a Disney Cruise with the whole family, taking the Amtrak train to Chicago with all the kids & grandkids, and going as a family out to West Point Military Academy, New York, to honor Jonathan (& his then, soon-to-be grandson-in-law, Jake) at graduation.  His faithfulness, generosity, positivity, and steadfastness will be truly missed in our family.

Edward is survived by his wife, Carmen; his son Mark (Lynne) of Burnsville and son: Ryan Taylor; his son Thomas (Cindy) of Spicer and children: Jonathan, Amy, and Faith; his daughter Jane (Terry) Langeland of Bloomington and children: Nolan (Emily, and great grandsons: Duke & Jack), Sarah (Jonathan) Temte, Emily (Jake) Pettit, and Joshua.

He was preceded in death by his and Carmen’s daughter, Mary Ellen; his parents, John & Ellen; and his sister, Lila Ahnemann.