David Linder

David Clinton Linder, 67, of Alexandria, Minnesota, died peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2008 at his home, Prairie Community Services, surrounded by several people who loved him. David had suffered with Alzheimer?s disease the last few years and was under hospice care for the past six months. David was born April 13, 1941 in Alexandria to Axel and Minnie (Larson) Linder. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria. David was born with the diagnosis of Down?s syndrome and was mentally disabled. David was a high functioning young man who had learned many skills and acts of daily living due to exceptional training from his parents. David had good social skills and got along with people well, desiring to be active in social functions. He was lovingly known as "Skip" to his family and friends. David lived at home with his parents until 1972. Around that time he had begun experiencing psychological and medical problems including seizure activity. David was put on the waiting list for placement in a residential facility known as Project New Hope. David spent a month or so living in the home of Arlan Kakac, who was his social worker, as a respite care period until the completion of house # 5. David enjoyed and related well to the Kakac's small children and never forgot them or Arlan's wife, Bonnie. He would frequently ask about them through the years of living at Project New Hope. In 1976 David became an active participant in the recycling work at the Work Activity Center with Project New Hope. In the early 1980's David made a change in his day programming from the Douglas County Work Activity Center to the Project New Hope Work Activity Center now known as the Alexandria Opportunity Center upon his request, which he has been a participant in until his recent health condition. As a young man he was an avid Elvis Presley fan and had many, many of his albums. David liked country western music and Dolly Parton was his favorite, along with many other female artists. He loved going out for a good cup of coffee and pumpkin pie with family or friends. David is survived by one sister, Lorraine and brother-in-law, John Peterson of Chattanooga, Tennessee; one sister-in-law, Kathy (Phil) Linder Pederson and husband, Dave, of Alexandria, MN; and nephews and nieces, Bill (Jan) Peterson of Gonzales, TX, Kathy (Tom) Peterson Knapp of Tequesta, FL, Melanie (Neal) Kalina of Lowry, MN, Mitchell Linder of Nelson, MN, and James Linder of Alexandria, MN. He was preceded in death by his baby brother, Allen; his sister, Shirley, his parents and his brother, Phil. David?s family is very grateful to the many caregivers involved in his life. Because of you, he lived a full and enjoyable life filled with activities, productive work and many friends. We are so happy that David is now in heaven enjoying his family and Savior Jesus Christ. We know we will see him again and thank God for his life. Memorial services will be held at Anderson Funeral Home on Friday, April 18, 2008 at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the East Moe Cemetery in rural Garfield, MN. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.