Edward Lindell

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Lindell, Edward Age 89 of Northfield, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday evening, December 14, 2017, at the Northfield Hospital. Survivors include his wife Patty; his sons Paul (Rebecca) of Rochester, Erik (Sally) of Northfield; five grandchildren Siri, Peder, Linnea, Tor and Anders; his brother Verlyn (Nora) of Sioux Falls; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Estella. Ed was born in Denver, Colorado where he started out as a teacher at North Denver High School. He received his doctorate in education at the University of Denver, and later served as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at DU. He and Patty left Denver and moved to St. Peter, Minnesota, where he served as President of Gustavus Adolphus College. Ed finished his career as an Executive Vice President at Lutheran Brotherhood (now Thrivent Financial) in Minneapolis. Ed served on many boards including the international board for Habitat for Humanity, an advisory board for the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and the Nobel Foundation Board. He also served locally with the Fairview Hospitals on their system board, their foundation board, and on the board of Fairview Physician Associates, as well as the board of Swedish Hospital in Denver. Ed was a great supporter of higher education and served on many college boards throughout the country. Ed was skilled at helping colleges manage deficits and get back on a good financial track. Ed's civic involvement especially extended into all things Swedish. He worked closely with the Swedish Council of America as well as the American Swedish Institute. He worked happily to sustain links between Sweden and America. Ed was devoted to his faith, and served the Lutheran church in several capacities including service as a lay pastor. Ed loved athletics, and coached many youth sports teams. He spent absolutely countless hours on the baseball field hitting ground balls or pitching batting practice. He loved to lead and be involved as others developed their skills. Ed's greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. He was their unwavering cheerleader, and enjoyed spending time with them and following them on whatever activity they chose. Ed and Patty moved to Northfield to be closer to family. Ed suffered from Lewy Body dementia, and moved into the Northfield Retirement Center less than a year ago. Determined to be an example of the good fight in the face of the disease, he was fortunate to retain a great memory for family and friends. He never lost a wonderfully quick wit and dry sense of humor. Services will be 11AM, Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Northfield. Visitation will be 4-7PM Monday, December 18, 2017, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home and will continue at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to the service. Memorials are preferred to St. John's Lutheran Church or the American Swedish Institute. northfieldfuneral.com

Published on December 17, 2017