Linda Leinonen
July 15, 1953 - Nov. 21, 2025
Linda Kay (Messick) Leinonen, of Lake Linden, passed away on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital in Laurium. Linda was born on July 15, 1953, in Elkhart, Indiana, to parents Gene and Melba (North) Messick.
Linda graduated from Jimtown High School in Elkhart. She went on to graduate from Indiana State University and Southwestern Michigan College. She did her graduate work at Valparaiso University. She taught English for 20 years at Penn Harris Madison School.
She met the love of her life, Gerald F. Leinonen, and they were married on Dec. 14, 1984.
Linda loved to sit on the pier with Gerald, go kayaking, and reading. She loved the Northwoods, and had many good memories with the grandkids.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Melba; and her brother, Larry Greg Messick.
She is survived by her husband, Gerald; son, Greg John (Danielle) Farrell of Elkhart; grandchildren, Jonathan Farrell of Elkhart, and McKenna Farrell of Louisiana; step-daughter, Jennie (Jonathan) “Leinonen” Keech of Corpus Christi, Texas; and their children, Seth Archie and Kane Archie. She is also survived by her brother, Gene Edward (Carol) Messick; nephews, Kyle Messick (Blanca), Blaine Messick, and Travis Messick; and grandnephew, Daine Messick.
A private family service will take place for Linda at a future date.
Erickson-Crowley-Peterson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences for the family can be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.