In Memory of Virginia Linman

Virginia Linman, age 105, of Ida Grove, Iowa (formerly of Odebolt, Iowa) passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Golden Horizons Assisted Living of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Bethel Lutheran Church of Kiron, Iowa. Vicar Travis Brincks will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Bethel Lutheran Cemetery of Kiron, Iowa.

Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Bethel Lutheran Church of Kiron, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Ida Grove and Odebolt, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Virginia Evelyn Linman, daughter of Frank Emil and Nina E. (Ekstrom) Lundell, was born on May 10, 1920, on the family farm north of Kiron, Iowa. Growing up during the Great Depression, Virginia experienced challenges shared by many, yet she was fortunate to enjoy amenities uncommon at the time electricity and running water thanks to the ingenuity of her mechanically gifted father.

Education was highly valued in the Lundell family. Virginia attended Kiron Public School and graduated with the Class of 1938. She continued her education at Wayne State College, where she earned her teaching certificate. Upon completion, she returned home and taught for two years in a one-room country school north of Kiron. Seeking new experiences, Virginia later accepted a position with Mutual of Omaha, a role she greatly enjoyed. During this time, she lived with a group of friends, forming lasting friendships and cherished memories.

On June 16, 1944, a warm and beautiful day, Virginia married her sweetheart, Burnelle Linman of Arthur, Iowa. Dressed in a hand-sewn velvet gown, she and Burnelle in his wool suit were united in marriage on the Lundell family farm north of Kiron. The couple made their home on the Linman family farm south of Arthur, where they built a life together and were blessed with two children: a daughter, Cynthia, and a son, Douglas.

Virginia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who took immense pride in her family and delighted in watching her legacy grow. Her home was always filled with warmth, whether from something baking in the oven or from her willingness to care for her grandchildren. She remained active throughout her life, tending to her expansive garden and flowers, fishing, or remarkably even climbing a six-foot stepladder at the age of 100 to pick cherries.

Following the tragic loss of her husband, Burnelle, in a farm accident at the age of 65, Virginia’s already deep Christian faith grew even stronger. In 1979, she moved from the farm in Arthur to Odebolt, Iowa, where she resided until 2020. During the pandemic, at the age of 101, she quietly transitioned to Golden Horizons Assisted Living.

An accomplished pianist and lifelong lover of music, the melody of Virginia’s life came to a peaceful close on December 16, 2025, at the age of 105. She will be fondly remembered for her delicious pecan pie, sugar cookies, “Grandma bread,” and the many wonderful meals she prepared, as well as for her unwavering faith and a deep love for her family.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children Cynthia Lindskoog of Odebolt, IA, and Douglas (Vickie) Linman of Odebolt, IA; 7 grandchildren: Lori (Steve) Mattes, Brett (Andra) Lindskoog, Jill (Paul) Fox, Brad “BJ” (Mindy) Linman, Nissa Jones, Mindi (Ryan) Coleman, and Eli Linman; 18 great-grandchildren: Adam, Caleb, Micah and Brennan Mattes; Brynn, Blaire and Alec Lindskoog; Greyson and Thia Fox; Sam and Eve Linman, Yano and Aspen Jones, Bella, Ryan and Mariah Coleman; Maggie and Wilder Linman.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents Frank Emil and Nina E. Lundell; husband Burnelle Linman (age 65); brother Arnold (Marjorie) Lundell; son-in-law Dennis Lindskoog; and grandson-in-law Yano Jones.