Linda Harstad

Linda Marie Backman, daughter of Edward and Alice (Gustafson) Backman, was born March 29, 1959 in Morris , Minnesota . Linda grew up in the Herman area, before moving to a farm near Hoffman , MN . She attended and graduated from Hoffman Public Schools in 1977. Linda continued her education at Willmar Vocational Technical School in the receptionist field. Following her schooling, she began working for Meeks Accounting in Elbow Lake and also at Runestone Telephone in Hoffman. On June 24, 1978, she was united in marriage to Jeffrey Harstad at First Lutheran Church in Kensington , Minnesota . The couple moved to Burnesville , MN , where Linda was employed at NW Airlines. She also worked as a reception/bookkeeper in Detroit Lakes , Minnesota for the Swift Turkey Plant. Jeff and Linda then moved to Morris and Linda began working for the University of Minnesota Morris as Office Manager of Computer Services.

Linda was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Morris, where she was active with the Ladies Aide. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and outdoor activities. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Linda was a loving and caring mother who wanted what was best for her children and her family. She was a strong woman who never gave up the battle with her illness.

Linda died on Monday, January 18, 2010 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris , MN , having lived to reach the age of 50 years.

She is survived by her husband: Jeffrey Harstad of Donnelly; three children: Kayla Harstad (fiancé: Josh Erdahl) of Pine River, Jessica Harstad of Alexandria and Jared Harstad of Donnelly; one grandson: Beckett Erdahl of Pine River; her father and step-mother: Edward & Sandra Backman of Kensington; brothers & sisters: Karen (Dale) DeRung of Rice, Mark (Jelene) Backman of Hoffman, Ken (Carol) Backman of Hoffman, Bonnie (Bradley) Bosch of Salol, Donna (John) Hammers of Hutchinson, Becky (Blayne) Tonsfeldt of Moorhead, Kevin (Melanie) Backman of Blaine and Dennis Backman (and his partner: Anthony) of Minneapolis and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother: Alice Backman.

Serving as pallbearers are Linda’s entire family. Honorary pallbearers are all who called Linda friend. Rita Lambert will serve as organist for the service with John and Lisa Kleinwolterink serving as soloists. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.