Linda Marie Reynolds

Linda Marie Sjolander Gustavson Reynolds was born in Rush City, Minnesota on October 22, 1945 to Dora Sjolander Gustavson. Linda had a stepfather, Harold Gustavson, a brother, David, and stepsister, Heidi. Linda grew up in Braham, Minnesota and graduated from Braham High School. She had a short marriage to Dale Reynolds and they gave birth to Laura Reynolds. As a young single mother, Linda completed cosmetology school and made the decision to move to Monticello, Minnesota and open her own salon. She opened the Beauty Hut on Broadway Street in Monticello at the age of 23. She ran her beauty salon for 9 years. Linda decided to close her salon but continued to have her loyal clients come to her home for several years after she had closed the business. Linda became a nursing assistant at the Veterans Administration Hospital in St. Cloud and retired after 22 years. She loved the old soldiers she cared for and was a dedicated care giver. Linda was a valued employee and had many friends at the VA. The VA helped Linda complete her education to become the first massage therapist employed in their system. This was an accomplishment she was very proud of.

Linda had her second child, Phillip Reynolds, in her midlife. She enjoyed raising Phillip and they had many adventures. Linda was an avid traveler and had always dreamed of being a travel agent. Laura and Phillip (and Grandma Dora) were the lucky travel companions during their childhoods. Phillip and Laura got her love of traveling and will always be grateful for this gift. Linda had many interests and continued with most of them up to her death. She was a voracious reader, enjoyed photography, driving around the countryside, computer games, genealogy and talking on the phone.  Linda cherished being a grandma and great grandma. She spent as much time as she could with her grandkids over the years.

Linda died peacefully in her own home on April 30, 2020. This is how she wanted it. She had been dealing with chronic health conditions for many years and she had decided to stop medical treatments/ therapy options. She lived her life on her own terms. Linda is now in heaven with those loved ones who preceded her in death. It is a wondrous reunion and she would hope that all those that knew her will celebrate her life by sharing their memories about their adventures with her.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Laura Reynolds (John Richardson) and Laura’s children: Samantha Nellis (Derek Nellis) and their children Wilder and Freya; and Sabrina McLellan and her daughter, Alaya; and Linda’s son, Phillip Reynolds (Melissa Winters Reynolds), and their children Izaiah, Landon and Victoria. Linda is also survived by her stepsister, Heidi Gustavson, and beloved cousins: Randy Sjolander, Shirley LaFayette (Roy LaFayette) and Lindon Sjolander.

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