Linda Simkins

Linda Lee Simkins, age 74, of Woodbury, Minnesota died Wednesday June 17, 2015. Ending her battle with melanoma and now welcomed to heaven with renewed strength, vigor and above all, peace. Linda was born January 17, 1941 in Kenmare, North Dakota to Henry and Vesta Carstens. She was raised in Tolley, North Dakota and graduated from Tolley High School. She married Stanley Robert Simkins on November 24, 1962. Linda worked for many years as a nanny and dedicated homemaker. She was passionate about service to the common good. Her activities included, Valley Shamrocks 4-H leader, Meals on Wheels, St. Croix Valley Bloodmobile, Second Harvest Food Shelf, Lutheran World Relief and the Harriet Tubman Family Violence Organization. She served as the first woman President of the St. Peter Lutheran Church, chaired the SPLCW Committee, organized and staffed the annual 4th of July Fundraiser booth in Afton, and participated in the Sewing Circle and Praise Team. In 2013 Linda was named Washington County Senior Citizen of the Year. She was honored and humbled by the recognition. Closest to Linda's heart was her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved to attend recitals, horse lessons and hockey games. She spoiled all the kids, big and small, with her famous sugar cookies. Each one a work of art, exceptionally crafted and decorated with love.

Preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Vesta Carstens.

Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Stanley; daughter Roxanne (Don) Goodwin; son Ed (Deb); daughter Brenda (Sam Swaminathan) Simkins; grandchildren, Trevor, Victoria, Lauren and Isabella; sisters Laura (Donny) Funke, Betty Wolfe, Ann (Don) Fitch; brother Garvin (Caroline) Carstens; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Our heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of the following; Unity Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, St. Croix Hospice, HealthEast Hospice and Brightstar. With the help of these angels, family, and closest friends she was able to remain in the comfort of home, enjoying a chorus of songbirds. We also wish to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern and kindness shown to us during this hour of bereavement. May God bless and keep you!

The Simkins Family