Linda "Lydia" Kay Kinzer

Linda "Lydia"  Kay (Russell) Kinzer passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, embraced in the love of family and friends.

Linda Kay Russell was born on April 8, 1956 in Rochester, Minnesota to William (“Bill”) and Katherine (Markham) Russell. She grew up on the family farm, near Stewartville, Minnesota. She graduated from Stewartville High School in 1974. She married Daniel Duane Kinzer on March 9, 1973, in Lancaster, Missouri. They moved to San Diego, California, where Dan served in the US Navy (1973-1979). Linda was a wife, mother and homemaker, while Dan was deployed overseas. Together they raised two children, a son Chad and a daughter Veronica (“Roni”).

The family moved back to Stewartville (1979 to 1981), while Dan went to college (RCTC) and Linda worked at Mayo Clinic. After moving briefly (1981 to 1983), to Raleigh North Carolina, they moved back to Rochester, to raise their family. Linda and Dan were extremely involved in The ARC of SE Minnesota and PossAbilities of Southern Minnesota. Linda and Roni were avid bowlers, through PossAbilities. Dan was a longtime City of Rochester (RPU) employee. Linda was a longtime Mayo Clinic employee. She retired in August, 2013.

Linda was an awesome human being, full of life. She showed kindness and generosity to everyone. Linda had a huge heart and a wonderful sense of humor. She spread joy and laughter to ALL (particularly friends and family).

Linda enjoyed cooking her famous entrée of split hot-dogs with mashed potato topped with melted cheese. Baking and sharing care packages of cookies (her signature Aunt Salley) with family members), A very talented crafter, it was always an honor to receive one of her heartfelt (magazine cutout letters) birthday cards. She was an avid reader and also enjoyed knitting, cross-stitch, collecting antiques, board games, cardplaying, Words with Friends, puzzles and watching the birds & wildlife, visiting their backyard. She loved decorating her home, whether it be antiques, refinished furniture, fresh flowers, pictures of family and arts & crafts that she or the kids had made.

Linda’s favorite “decorating” time of the year was Halloween and Christmas. It was a HUGE undertaking, that she enjoyed every year. She would “supervise”, where everything was placed. Linda enjoyed traveling to a variety of destinations. A favorite destination was going to the family cabin on Palmer Lake, near Hubbard MN. She and Dan had many adventures, over the years, in their pickup truck camper.

Physical activity, for Linda was boundless. She enjoyed long walks, running, bicycling and canoeing. Linda was a member of the RAC and the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center. Linda carried much courage and strength, throughout her life, to “keep fit”. Over the years, she was a passionate warrior in the struggle against her MS diagnosis.

We would like to extend a BIG thank you to Seasons Hospice staff (with a special shoutout to “My Jody”). Also to caregivers; Lori and Ali (& her canine companion, Bumble)

She is survived by her husband Dan, of 52 years; Son Chad of Rochester; Grandson Jacob of Rochester; Mother-In-Law JoAnn (Dr. Wes) Tower of Rochester; Sisters: Gail Keller and Karen Smith both of Rochester; Brenda (Jay) Button of St. Charles; Brothers: Michael Russell and William “Joe” Russell both of Rochester. Sister-In-Law Rebecca (David) Nagorski of San Diego, CA and Alice (Lee) Wetzel of Chesapeake, VA.; Brother-In-Law John (Mary) Kinzer of Ironton, MN and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by daughter Roni, her parents Bill & Katherine and Father-In-Law Don Kinzer.

Linda’s funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on  Saturday (January 24, 2026) at the Stewartville United Methodist Church with Rev. Laura Nordstrom officiating. A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from 9:30 to 11:00 AM on Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at High Forest Cemetery in High Forest,MN. The family suggests memorials to PossAbilities and Seasons Hospice. Arrangments are with Griffin Gray FH in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Linda are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

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