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Marie (Johnson) Hansted, 74, passed away on Thursday, December 7th at her home in Jamestown, ND. Her final days were peaceful, with her husband and children at her side, under hospice care after bravely battling a progressive lung disease.
Linda was born on September 9, 1943 in Jamestown to Leslie and Leona (Nierling) Johnson. She grew up in Jamestown with her parents and three sisters, graduating from St. John’s Academy in 1961 and going on to earn a degree in social work from Jamestown College.
Linda married Larry Hansted on August 14, 1965. Together they moved to San Bernardino, CA where Linda worked as a social worker. It didn’t take them long to realize life in California wasn’t for them and within a year, they moved back home. Upon their return, Linda worked at Stutsman County Social Services. In 1980, she went to work as a social worker at Jamestown High School. She would spend the next twenty-five years working with “her kids”. It’s impossible to know the full impact Linda had on the lives of the many teens she worked with through the years. To Linda, her work at JHS was so much more than a job. A number of former students kept in contact with Linda, long after they graduated and Linda retired, forever grateful for her positive influence.
Linda and Larry were married for fifty-two years. Family was incredibly important to them. Much of their retirement years were spent with their three grown children and seven grandchildren. They rotated between their kids’ homes, spending quality time with everyone. Their own home in Jamestown served as a central gathering place for all major holiday celebrations, providing precious memories for all.
Linda’s grandchildren meant the world to her and her goal was to be thought of as a “fun grandma”. As her health began to deteriorate, she hated the possibility of her grandkids only remembering her when she was ill. Her sincerest desire was for them to remember the fun times; the holidays, the trips and the games played together.
Linda was a woman “on the go” and her interests were many. She loved to golf and attend sporting events at JHS, cheering at the top of her lungs. She was a gifted card player and created lasting friendships at both the bridge table and the occasional poker table.
She was blessed to share her life with many dear friends. Linda remained close with many friends from high school; she made wonderful new friends all along her path, and rarely missed morning coffee with the Hardee’s girls. Her three sisters were life-long friends as well. Linda’s life was so much richer because of the deep friendships she cherished and enjoyed.
Never having been a fan of cold, North Dakota winters, Linda and Larry traveled south after they retired. They would leave for Arizona after the holidays and stay until early spring, loving the sunshine, warm weather and special friendships formed there.
Linda was so appreciative of the love and care she and Larry received throughout her illness. Visits from friends meant the world to her.
Linda is survived by her husband Larry; sisters Carol Karstens of Sun City, AZ, Leslie (Jim) Flyr of Vancouver, WA and Joan Cichos of Rexburg, ID; children Kim (Rick) Diede of Fargo, ND, Tom (Angie) Hansted of Bismarck, ND and Jon (Joey) Hansted of Cincinnati, OH; and grandchildren Joshua Diede, Alecia Diede, Morgan Hansted, Caroline Hansted, Blake Hansted, Amber Diede and Alex Hansted; as well as many other nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a number of dear friends and other relatives.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Jamestown Regional Medical Center Hospice. They are truly angels here on earth.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 11, 2017 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown, with Father John Aerts officiating.
Vigil: 8:00 p.m., Sunday, December 10, 2017 at Williams Funeral Home, Jamestown.
Inurnment: Calvary Cemetery, Jamestown, at a later date.
An online guest book is available at www.liskofuneralchapel.com.