Linda Ann Akenson

Linda Ann Akenson, a beloved and memorable pillar of the Alexandria community, passed away unexpectedly on August 20, 2024, at the age of 74. Linda's profound impact on her community and well beyond will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew her. 

Linda was born to Les and Thelma Engstrom in Alexandria where she spent her entire life except for a short time attending Augsburg College and teaching in Apple Valley. Linda’s youthful school years were spent with wonderful friends going to the movies, riding horses, camping out in the countryside and basically doing the things kids did back in the day. Her favorite job was at Darling Ranch Resort teaching a flock of kids how to water ski. She was part of the Lake Darling Water Ski Team that performed weekly shows on Sunday afternoons for resort guests and locals alike. Linda climbed to the top of the pyramid and could barefoot and slalom ski with the best of them!

Linda was deeply involved in numerous local organizations reflecting her commitment to enriching the lives of others. Her contributions included Alexandria Area Arts Association, Legacy of the Lakes Boat Museum, Douglas County Historical Society, Alexandria Humane Society, Central Lakes Symphony and she recently served on the boards of the Alexandria Community Foundation and the Lake Darling Association. Her passion for preserving and promoting the cultural and historical fabric of Alexandria was very important to her with “Saving the Lodge” at Theatre L’ Homme Dieu ranking high on her extensive to-do list. 

Linda enjoyed a successful forty-six year career in real estate. She cared deeply about her clients, many of whom referred her to their friends and family. A true testament to her dedication. 

Linda married Tom Akenson in 1977, finally finding him worthy after knowing him since age 13. Tom loved her with all his heart. She is survived by her husband Tom, son Andy; daughter Ellie; grandchildren Jack and Alice; sister and brother-in-law Carol (Engstrom) and Gary Lussier; sister-in-law Sue Engstrom; sister and brother-in law Patti and Steve Tessmer and A.F.S. sister, Christel Henrich. Linda is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members from the Engstrom, Lussier, Tessmer, and Jacobson families. She also leaves many dear friends from Jefferson high school, the “Cedar Street Gang” and the “Auggies” from Augsburg College. 

Linda's legacy is one of dedicated friendship, community service, and being completely genuine. She touched countless lives through her dedication, warmth and wonderful good humor.

To know Linda was a gift of complete joy, happiness, love and light. While we will all miss her presence, Linda would not want us to dwell on sadness. Please remember that when you were with Linda she was joyful and happy to be with you. And she loved you.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria, with a Memorial Service at 1:00 PM at the church. Burial will follow at Kinkead Cemetery. A celebration of Linda's life will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the Alexandria Golf Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Alexandria Area Community Foundation or to anything that will benefit Linda’s beloved Alexandria.