JOHN LINNA
May 21, 1939 - February 15, 2010
Obituary
Rev. John J. Linna, Neenah, age 70, passed away on Monday, February 15, 2010. He was born May 21, 1939 in Ishpeming, MI, son of the late Arvid and Edith (Lanyon) Linna. John graduated from Northern Michigan University with a BS and then his Masters. He then graduated from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago with Doctorate in Theology. John married Kathryn Betty Mallmann on August 31, 1963. John served as a Lutheran Pastor with congregations in Ewen, Trout Creek, Painesville, MI, and then Crystal Falls, MI for 37 years until his retirement. He enjoyed participating in debate during college and then coached the High School debate team at Forest Park High School in Crystal Falls. John also served as the President of the Forest Park School Board. He enjoyed model trains, photography and computers. Survivors include his wife, Betty; three children: Peter (Lori) Linna, Patrick Linna, Pennie Linna; five grandchildren: Breanna, Luke, Alex, Elijah and Caleb; two sisters: Dawn (Paul) Kangas and Christine (Tim) Casteel. John was preceded in death by a brother, Robert. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Neenah, with Rev. Stephen Dietzler officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 am until the hour of service. A memorial is being established in his name. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery. The Linna Family would like to thank all individuals who have helped in Johns care over the years, Marquette General Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Crystal Falls Clinic, Iron County Hospital, Home care nurses and all individuals who have prayed for him.
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Memories
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Melli
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Betty, Pennie, Patrick, Pete... and all... my heart is with you all, and my prayers are for you all. I cherish the ever so few memories I have of my time with you all last spring... and Pastor is going to live on in my heart - as yours - forever. What a good man he was. Just a good GOOD man. God has certainly said to him "well done good and faithful servant". I know this with all my heart.
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Quilly
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There is a Dr. John shaped hole in the blogosphere. He had a profound impact on many of us, and we are mourning with you. The good he did will live on forever.
BH
Bill Hardie
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Dear Betty and Family I was so sorry to hear of Dr John's Passing, I have been keeping you in Prayer. I am glad that I got to know Dr John and you and the family though his blog. I am grateful that we became friends. Bill
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Dennis and Carol Maki
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You are all in our thoughts and prayers in this time of loss. We are sorry we cannot be with you in this time of grief and remembrance. I will always think of John as my 'studious' cousin whose words and actions helped me to develop as a total person as I grew up. Though we were not close in our adult life, I always knew he was a part of my family and I am thankful for having had him as a part of my life. Dennis
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Orice & Harlan Walters
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Dear Betty & Family, Our deep and sincere sympathy in your loss. Pr Linna left his mark and God's love on the lives of so many. As he now rests well in the arms of Jesus we remember his leadership as a pastor, friend, Conference president Interim pastor at First I MTN & so proud to have helped bring Pr. Lance to I Mtn:); Parlimentarian,excellent bible Study leader, puppeteer,& the list of his God given skills go on and on. May the Lord be your constant comfort and strength in the coming days. Keeping you in prayer. Orice and Harlan
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elizkevern
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Dear Betty and children, I was saddened to read of John's passing. I am Jimmy savolainens aunt and I met you at Jimmys funeral some years ago, Lance spoke at the service also. I am Taito SAvolainens sister.It puzzles me That these I think it was 5 young men whowere together since Sunday School and brothers in Christ are noo longer with us but are gone home to be with the Lord,I like to think They will be at the Gate waiting for John, In Christ. Elizabeth Savolainen Kevern+