Linda Hiltner

A private graveside service will be held for Linda Hiltner of Eagle Bend at a later date at the GAR Legion Cemetery, near Eagle Bend, MN. On July 18, 2024, Linda passed away at the Lakewood Health System Care Center in Staples, MN. Linda was born the youngest of three girls to Frederick “Fred” and June (Saxvold) Cossentine on June 4, 1947, in St. Paul, MN and was baptized on July 17, 1947 in Grygla. Also in 1948, the family moved to Eagle Bend where she graduated from high school in 1965. She worked at a sewing factory in Staples and Larson Boat Company in Little Falls before moving to the metro area. There she was employed by an Ault Machine and at other factory jobs. Linda met Warren Anderson while visiting cousins in Grygla, MN. They married and lived in Minneapolis. Their son Wade was born in December 1981 and died of SIDS in May 1982. Linda and Warren parted ways. She later met Leander “Lee” George Hiltner and they were married on Jun 7, 1989. Linda continued factory work and after retiring from full-time work she took a job at the Animal Humane Society in Forest Lake. Even with dogs of their own, their hearts were big enough to provide foster care for other dogs and cats. Linda and Lee enjoyed trips to Turtle Lake Casino, Lee’s concertina, polka music, and perusing garage sales. They also cheered for the MN Vikings football team and played “Tic” card game. Lee passed away in December 2022, and Linda moved back to Eagle Bend by the spring of 2023. In later years, Linda liked watching TV game shows and the Walker, Texas Ranger series. By the summer of 2024, Linda needed care and moved to the Lakewood Care Center in Staples, with additional tender attention provided by Lakewood Hospice. Preceding Linda in death were her husband, Lee; parents, Fred and June; infant son, Wade; and brother-in-law, Bob Willie. Remembering Linda will be her siblings, Sharon Willie and Donna (Willis) Pearson; stepchildren, Vickie Peterson, LaDema (John) Hawkinson and Randy (Jean) Hiltner; nephews, Steven (Sonja) Pearson and Michael (Mari) Willie. along with numerous step-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and extended family. Honorary urn bearers will be Linda’s family.

Linda Hiltner

June 4, 1947 - July 18, 2024