Linda M. Strain

Tuesday, September 13, 1949
Date of Death:
Monday, December 28, 2015
Age:
66 years old
Linda M. Strain
Linda Marie Strain, 66, of Rochester, died Monday, December 28, 2015 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Linda was born September 13, 1949 to Harold and Norma Kracht.
She graduated from Kasson-Mantorville High School and from there went into nursing at St. Marys School of Nursing in Rochester. She worked as a nurse at Mayo Clinic Rochester up until her retirement in November of 2014. After she retired, she went to stay with her eldest sister in Clermont, Florida for four months where she lovingly cared for her until her passing at the end of July. She then came back home to Rochester and was diagnosed with her illness, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, in early August 2015.
Linda enjoyed shopping, traveling, the river, fishing and boating, but most of all spending time with her family, many friends and her dog Louie. She was also a very caring and loving caregiver.
Linda is survived by her two sons, Derick (Lisa) Strain and their children Kristy and Shannon, and Darin Strain, all of Rochester; her five siblings, Marilyn (Lynn) Musolf of Byron, Bennett (Judy) Kracht of Rochester and their daughter Kimberly (Dave) Talbot of Buffalo, MN, Doug Kracht of Mantorville, Jeffrey (Barb) Kracht of Pine Island and Kevin Kracht of Rochester.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Carole Ewing.
A Memorial Gathering will be held Saturday, January 2, 2016 from 3:00pm – 6:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. There will be a prayer service starting at 5:00pm.
A special and grateful thank-you goes to the Seasons Hospice staff for all of their love and support. Also, a very special thank you to the GI Department at Mayo Clinic for all of their cards, gifts, food and kind words of support given to Linda throughout her illness.
Memorials are preferred to Paws & Claws of Rochester. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Linda M. Strain has received the following condolences.
I first met Linda some forty-nine years ago. She was a teenager and Carole, her sister, and I were ready to get married. I didn't know her well in the early years, but as time went on we came to interact on vacations, trips to the mountains, and other things that resulted in fun, frivolity, and in growing closer together. She had a wry sense of humor and was keen of wit. She liked to verbally spar with acerbic retorts that made you believe she was very intelligent. She loved those around her and early, before the cancer took over Carole's life, she promised that later, when Carole needed someone, she would be there for her. Four months before Carole passed away, Linda moved in and took over management of the house. She took Carole to the doctor's office, the cancer center for chemo, for blood transfusions and cooked. We could not get her to slow down or stop. She was remarkable in her devotion to her sister. She was one wonderful human being. I came to love her very much. I am saddened by her loss and I hope her family knows how much of herself she gave. I hope they find peace.
Bill Ewing
I will be forever grateful to Linda for her loving care of her sister--my mother, Carole Ewing--during my mom's last months. She was selfless, devoted and an inspiration to us. I was lucky to be able to witness her courage, humor and loving spirit during the very difficult last months and days with my mother. May she find peace and eternal love in her afterlife, and all the abundance and joy that she greatly deserves.
With love, Suzanne Ewing
Marilyn & Lynn, I am so very sorry to learn of your Sister's passing. Please know I care and hope that you will keep your many memories close to your hearts. May you find Peace and Comfort in the days to come as you grieve her loss. My Sincere Sympathy.
So sorry to hear about your loss. May the Lord be with you as you go through this sad time. Mary ((Burt), Rich and Lacey. Freytag
So sorry for your loss, she was the best co worker ever. She will be missed
My thoughts and prayers go out to Linda's family. I worked with Linda for 2 years in GI procedure area. Linda, as I have always thought since first meeting her,was an angel straight from heaven. Her kindness,heart and spirit were unlike any I have ever known. I only knew Linda for a short time but I am happy to have had the chance to know such a wonderful woman. Heaven is now shining a bit brighter now that she is home. My prayers are with her family. God bless.
Marilyn and Lynn so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.
My heart goes out to you. Linda was such a wonderful, kind person. I worked with her for many years at St. Mary's. She was a very hard worker and gave so much to her patients and their families. I was lucky enough to enjoy dinners, lunches, movies and parties with her. She had a wonderful smile and great laugh. I was awed by the strength she had through many difficult times in her life. But above all, I was amazed at what she did for her sons. What a phenomenal example of a mother's love.
Linda was a wonderful sister- in-law. We shared so many things, love of nursing, being a Mom, friends.... When our kids were little we went camping and fishing and I have wonderful memories of that. She was such a generous person, she gave so much of herself that she neglected herself and her own needs. A little over a year ago we lost a friend, John, who she frequently called and visited. Her dear friend, Keith, has been a rock, always there supporting her with visits and calls and bringing her goodies when she had cravings. His mom, Millie, has been taking care of Linda's dog, Louie, since she left to go to Florida to care for her sister, Carole. Ben and I spent many weekends and Holidays with Linda and Keith, Millie & Louie and many other friends. What a wonderful couple! He will miss her so as will we. Even as Linda was dying she insisted on getting Christmas presents for my Grandchildren, that is the way she was. God Bless Her memory!
Our deepest sympathies go to Linda Strain's family. I worked for many years with Linda.She was a wonderful nurse, always so kind and caring, but most of all a great friend. I have so many fond memories of times spent with her at and away from work. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. -- Lori Ludwig
OUR SYMPATHY TO ALL THE KRACHT AND STRAIN FAMILIES. LINDA WAS SO CARING AND JUST AS FULL OF BOLONY AS I,SHE SURPRISED ME WHEN I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL A YEAR AGO AND SHE MADE A POINT TO VISIT ME. WE RAN AROUND WHEN WE WERE YOUNGER AND HAD ALOT OF FUN,THAT I'LL NEVER FORGET. OUR PRAYERS TO ALL, NOW LINDA'S SUFFERING IS OVER.
We send our sympathy and prayers for family and friends of Linda. Linda was a wonderful friend and former co-worker. She will be greatly missed by so many. I want to thank the family for the love, support, and wonderful care they gave to Linda during her illness. I know how much you loved her and will miss her. Thank you for the visits we shared with you (Marilyn and Lisa and other family members) when we came to visit Linda. It meant so much to me to be able to visit. Thinking of you and pray that God's mercy and grace will give you peace and comfort during this time of grief and loss.
Darin & Family,
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother....Although I only met your mother a few times, from 20+ years ago to a few years ago, I know she was happy to have you so close to her, especially these past several years....She raised a great son....Love you & thinking about you at this difficult time....Your friend always, Courtney
Linda was my sister-in-law for many years and we always had so much fun. Linda was a great cook and always was very hospitable. She loved children and always laughed at the funny things they said. She loved my boys and babysat them many, many times. We didn't stay in contact with each other as the years went by but when we did see each other, we took off from where we left. Linda loved Chtistmas and spending the time with her family. She was very generous and thought of others before she thought of herself. I have fond memories of Linda as a good-hearted person who was genuinely a loving mother and caregiver. My sincere sympathy to her children, grandchildren, and to her sister and brothers. You will be missed Linda.
Linda was such a kind and wonderful woman. I was lucky to be able to call her not only a coworker but a friend. She will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Linda was a beautiful person who left a little piece of her spirit with everyone she encountered. She is missed. My condolences to the family.