Linda was born Oct. 14, 1959 in Edina to Kenneth and Janet (Lukaszewski) Mrachek. She graduated from Winnebago High School, where she met Gary Engelby. The two were high school sweethearts. On Aug. 25, 1979, they were married at the Winnebago Methodist Church. Linda worked at the clothing store, My Fair Lady, in Winnebago, waitressed at the Village Inn, clerked at Roieg Hardware, and worked for many years at Syngenta. Her primary job throughout life was being a farm wife. Linda was an extraordinary cook, and she used those skills to provide harvest meals to the farm crew. After each harvest, the crew’s pants fitted a little tighter. Linda’s dining room table was the center of family gatherings, it was where laughter was made and good food was eaten. Linda was happy-go-lucky. She enjoyed mowing the lawn, getting her hair done, and taking time out to help others. She loved to read, search for new recipes, try new food, and travel to good wineries. Her favorite place to travel was Puerto Morales. Being with Gary at their happy place was at the beach. She loved the sun, sand, the food, and beautiful water of the Caribbean. From all her pictures, her smile was at her best and her heart was at peace. Linda’s favorite role in life was “Nana.” Nana Linda was the most fun-loving nana. While driving the boys to school, she would dance to her favorite songs on the radio and the boys learned to love those songs. She was the most devoted and caring Nana around. Linda made her grandsons breakfast, drove them to school and sporting events, helped them with homework, allowed them to build giant forts in the backyard, and continually provided them with love and care. Linda was the guardian of the family no matter how old you were, she was always there to take care of you, and was willing to drop everything to help family and friends.

Left to cherish Linda’s memory are her children, Jason (Melissa) Engelby of Winnebago, and Britny (Guy) Zastrow of Truman; grandsons, Drake and Jake Ryan Engelby, Talin Thate, and Levi and Ethan Zastrow; mother, Janet Mrachek of Faribault; brother, Gary (Sherie Swanson Mrachek of Richfield; sister, Ann (Jim) Shultz of Florida; and special friends, Lori and Scott Foster.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gary; her father, Kenneth Mrachek; sister, Kathy Ahl; and her parents-in-law, Gerald and Mary Engelby.

Linda was always by Gary’s side, and is reunited with him again. They will be deeply missed. A memorial service in honor of both Linda and Gary will be held at a later date. Web tributes may be left at www.spencerowen.com.

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