Eric R. LINDEN, Sr.

LINDEN, KIRBY, HARVEY, LINDSTROM, HAYOSTEK, BROWNSTEIN, STROUP, CALIGIURI, SUTTON, FOSS, GRAHAM, REYES, SANTAMARIA

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:07:01

August 17, 1938 --- January 3, 2018

Eric R. Linden, Sr., 79, of Sacramento, CA, passed away on January 3, 2018, in his home, surrounded by his family.

Eric was born on August 17, 1938, in Harlan, Iowa, the son of Darrell and Velma (Kirby) Linden. He grew up on farms in southwest Iowa and graduated at the age of 16 from Walnut High School. He attended Iowa State University and then transferred to Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, where he met the love of his life, his wife, Charlotte Harvey. They were married October 18, 1958. In 1960, he graduated with a B.A. from Simpson College. At Simpson College he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He earned a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling at the University of North Dakota (UND) in 1965, where he was selected to be a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. In 1968, he received a Specialist’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from UND. Later, he became certified in School Administration.

His career included teaching, counseling, coaching, school administration and vocational rehabilitation in Iowa. He was dedicated to, and believed in the potential of all his students, athletes, teachers, and clients. He inspired those he worked with to recognize their strengths and pursue their aspirations. The last 15 years of his work life was spent as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Mason City, Iowa. Eric retired in 2000.

Eric was active in his church, community and a member of Rotary International. He enjoyed reading, playing bridge, and acquiring new knowledge. He was an athlete, coach, and avid sports fan. In high school he played basketball, baseball, and football. He coached track, football, and basketball. Eric was proud to coach the first girls basketball team in Clarion, Iowa. One of his favorite pastimes was following the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones.

Most of all, Eric was a vital part of his family and a positive influence on the lives of his children and grandchildren. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 59 years, Charlotte; children: Dr. Lori (Dr. Michael) Lindstrom, Dr. Cherie (Rory) Hayostek, Eric Linden, Jr., Kari (Martin) Brownstein; grandchildren: Dr. Chereen (Brian) Lindstrom Stroup, Dr. Charlotte (Paul) Lindstrom Caligiuri, Zoe (Caleb) Linden Sutton, Panella Linden, Wyatt Brownstein, Samuel Brownstein, William Brownstein; great-grandchildren: Aden, Owen, Eric, and Izak Stroup, Dominic and Joseph Caligiuri, and 2 great grandchildren expected in 2018; Abrothers: Arno (Judy) Linden, Orin (Sandy) Linden; brother-in-law: Tom Harvey; and Nieces and Nephews; extended family: Dana Foss, Jessica Graham, Erin Foss, Daniella and Giselle Reyes, Bernie Santamaria. Preceding Eric in death are his parents Darrell Linden and Velma Linden.

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[former teacher in Goldfield and Clarion, Iowa]