Linda Lee Lestrud

Linda Lee Lestrud was a wife, mother, grandmother and sister. September 1, 1946 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the Lord blessed the world with her beautiful presence. She was born to Shirley Montgomery and stepfather Jerry Montgomery. Linda Lee Lestrud passed away Saturday, May 23, 2026, at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family.

She grew up in Austin, Minnesota with her three brothers; Jerry Wing, Rodger and Mark Montgomery. Linda married Conrad Jensen and had a daughter, Cindy. Later, she married Harvey “Jimmy” Lestrud, Jr, who had three children; Michael, Don and Kim. In 1972, Linda and Jimmy had their first child together, Brian James. Two years later, they had Justin Wayne, who was their favorite baby. Later as a toddler, he had the most beautiful blonde curly hair, as wonderful as King David’s son Absalom.

Linda worked at Thorne Crest South on third shift. When she came home in the morning, she would make breakfast for her family. She also would bring M&M’s to her first-born grandson, Kolt and take him to school. She also spent many years working at the Albert Lea Tribune and Southern Minnesota Shopper as a rural carrier for over twenty years before falling ill to colon disease.

She loved her mother, husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After her colon disease, she lived with her daughter Cindy and son-in-law Bobby Kilby. When Bobby was laid off during the winter months, he would make sure she had everything that she needed. Bobby would go buy her rib sandwiches or mashed potatoes for lunch and snacks. Linda loved putting puzzles together with her daughter and granddaughters while people watching through the front window.

Linda leaves behind her daughters, Cindy (Bobby) Kilby and Kim Erickson; sons, Don Lestrud and Justin (Michelle) Lestrud; grandchildren, Kolt (Jill) Krumpos, Vanessa (Joe) Davis, Derek (Brittany) Kilby, Annie (Chris) Plante, Jeremiah Erickson, Donella (David) Meldrum, Michael (Jo) Hall, Dylan (Taylor) Lestrud, Elizabeth Lestrud, and Mackenzie Lestrud; and many great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her mother Shirley and Jerry Montgomery; her husband, Jimmy Lestrud; brother, Jerry; sons, Michael Lestrud and Brian Lestrud; and great-grandsons, Jeffery and Steven.

The family would like to give special thanks to Bobby and Cindy for loving and caring for her daily, for the last seven years. And a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice for the extra care during her last week.

A funeral service for Linda will be held 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Crane Community Chapel in Austin with Pastor Dale Christiansen officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at Crane Community Chapel. Interment will be in Geneva, at Geneva Cemetery. Services are prearranged and performed with Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes.