Gregory D. Linder

Gregory D. Linder, 65, of Minocqua, passed away on October 27, 2015 at Howard Young Medical Center, after a long struggle with depression.

Greg was born in 1950 in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Wanda (Johnson) and Donald Linder. He graduated from Harding Senior H.S. in 1968, going on to attend the University of Minnesota, from which he received an associate degree in 1970. After his graduation, he studied radio broadcasting at the Brown Institute. Greg and his first wife, Marilyn, moved to Pontiac, Illinois, where he worked as a radio announcer. In 1975, they moved to Havre, Montana. Greg returned home to the Twin Cities, working as a music reviewer for Sweet Potato Magazine (later the Twin Cities Reader) and City Pages.

In 1986, Greg moved to Honesdale, Pennsylvania, where he worked as the Associate Editor for Highlights for Children magazine. Five years later, in 1991, he moved to Minocqua to take the position of NorthWord Press’s Editor-in-Chief. Later that year, he married Patricia Bickner, and six years later his beloved daughter Iris was born. In 1997, the family moved to Mankato, Minnesota, after Greg was hired as Senior Editor at Capstone Press. Their son Guthrie was born in Mankato in 1998. In 2000, the couple returned to Minocqua. They opened a new-and-used bookstore, Boardwalk Books and Music, in 2002. Their marriage ended in 2005, but they continued to co-parent Iris and Guthrie. Greg was a devoted and loving father. He continued to operate the bookstore for several years, serving regular customers who also became friends.

Greg was a creative person; a musician and writer. He played the guitar very well and wrote many original songs. He often attended jam sessions, and sometimes performed for local gatherings. He was also a talented writer and was part of a Minocqua-based writer’s group, where he shared his poems and short stories.

Greg was preceded in death by his Mother, Wanda (Johnson) Linder and Father, Donald Linder and Brother in law, Randy Skogman. He is survived by his children, Iris and Guthrie, his sister Karen Skogman, his brother Jeff and Step Mother, Sue Linder and nephew Mitchell, nieces Mariel, Aubrey and Josie, his adorable cat Saber, and his close friend Cathleen.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 14, at 4:00 p.m. at Nimsgern Funeral Home, 1025 Margaret St., Woodruff, WI 54568. 715-439-4100.