Linda Cheryl Garvey, age 70, died at Mayo Clinic Hospital – St. Marys Campus on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 after dealing with multiple health issues for several years; congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease being the most challenging.
Linda was born on March 11, 1950 in Austin, MN to LeRoy and Mina (Eggestein) Johnson. She started school in Mona, IA, attending Lyle Public School and graduating in 1968 from St. Ansgar Community Schools. She received her Associate Degree in bookkeeping from Riverland Community College in Austin, MN. She lived in Owatonna, Glenville, Lyle, and the St. Ansgar area until moving to the Rochester area in 2000. She worked at Jostens in Owatonna, Land O’ Lakes in Albert Lea, as a bookkeeper for the Bolan Store, and for Walmart, until retiring in 2008. She was a member of Mona Lutheran Church in Mona, IA where she was baptized and confirmed.
Linda enjoyed reading, putting puzzles together, playing cards and games, adult coloring and watching a few favorites including Jeopardy and The Young and the Restless. She loved watching the Food Network, which helped her become an even better cook. Her favorite pastime was spending time at the cabin being surrounded by family and friends. Noah, her grandson, was the light of her eye and the reason her family believed she stayed with them for as long as she did. She loved lighthouses and as a family were planning a trip to Maine in September. Her family will still be taking that trip, she won’t physically be with them, but they know she will be there.
Linda is survived by her children, Jennifer Johnson “only daughter” of Rochester, MN, LeRoy Garvey “the favorite” of Rochester, MN, Nathan “the golden child” (Molly) Garvey of Rochester, MN; grandson, Noah Garvey that was the sparkle of her eye; siblings, Lillian Jahr of Toeterville, IA, Marlys Follmuth of St Ansgar, IA, Darlene Maine of Fresno, CA, Robert (Patti) Johnson of Stacyville, IA, Grace (Herman) Peterson of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Wayne (Neilene) Johnson of Toeterville, IA, Becky (Gary) Fredrickson of St Ansgar, IA, Monica (Myron) Hemann of McIntire, IA; numerous nieces and nephews; 3 honorary children, they know who they are; and extended family.
Linda is preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Mina Johnson; sister, Vivian Johnson; brothers, Lynn and David Johnson; sister-in-law, Patricia Johnson; and brothers-in-law, Almo Jahr and Joseph Follmuth.
The family had a private, informal gathering on January 16, 2021. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Mona Lutheran Church, 1406 497th Street, St. Ansgar, IA 50472. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with the service at 11:00 a.m.
Rochester Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences of Linda may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
So sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. I remember her from Lyle. She was always a sweetheart.
Cheryl Brown Potter
We love you, Mom! You will be deeply missed by so many
Auntie there wasn’t a day that you weren’t in my thoughts. I miss seeing your “good morning” post and I miss our talks. My heart was broken the night you passed away, it feels like you took a piece when you left..I will cherish every memory we shared, I miss you so much.