Linda Nelson-Dikkers, 72, Owatonna

Linda Kay (Nupson) Nelson-Dikkers left this world suddenly on Feb. 8, 2024 to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Linda was born on Feb. 7, 1952 in Watertown, South Dakota to the late Gloria Rachael (Johnson) and Donald Luverne Nupson.

Linda learned to enjoy living in various locations across the Midwest, as her father’s job as a railroad depot relief agent relocated their family several times during his career. Linda received Jesus as her Savior at camp when she was a teenager and was later baptized at First Baptist Church in Spring Valley, Minn.

Linda married Gary Nelson in 1977 and they raised two children, Justin and Tara, in St. Louis Park. “After Gary’s passing in 2008, she met Thain Dikkers and the two were married in 2013 and had lived in Owatonna.”

Linda loved listening to sermons by various pastors. Hymns that her Dad, Donald, loved were very precious to her. She was also proud of her Scandinavian heritage. Seasonally, loved ones relished her homemade Norwegian and Swedish treats. However, it must be noted that she was the only member of her extended family to possess a fondness for lutefisk!

An excitement for travel persisted throughout Linda’s whole life, as she visited siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews on several continents. Linda and Thain enjoyed many adventures together, both on land and at sea. Linda loved spending time with family -- especially her five grandchildren! – and making people feel special on holidays and birthdays. Linda’s favorite crafts were stamping and, later, making cards for others on the computer. If you made a friend in Linda, she always found a way to stay connected. Linda's gift was giving to others and showing kindness to all! A physical feature that was impossible not to notice was Linda’s bright, genuine smile, often an expression of her uninhibited joy.

Linda is survived by her husband Thain, children: Justin (Bekka) Nelson of Buffalo Lake, Tara (Jeromy) Tichner of Fairmont, W.Va.; grandchildren Scarlett, Logan, Iley, Miles, and Arlen; brothers Lee (Laura) Nupson of Bemidji, Scott (Ellen) Nupson of La Plata, Md.; sisters Bonnie Gnemi of Farmington, and Sally (Larry) Johnson of Mankato.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Nelson and her parents.

Family and friends may join a celebration of Linda’s life at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024 at Grace Baptist Church in Owatonna with a memorial service starting at 11 a.m., with lunch to follow. A private burial will be held Friday at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Flowers are appreciated, but donations can be made to Owatonna Christian School.