Linda Diane Gardiner (Sanek)

After several years of medical challenges and declining health, Linda passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025. She was 77 years old.

Linda was born in Sleepy Eye, MN, on April 1, 1948, the youngest of four children of William Bernard Crouch and Lois Hanson Crouch. At age 11, after both her parents had died, she lived with her aunt and uncle, Evelyn and Russell Peterson, on their farm in Sleepy Eye. After graduation from Sleepy Eye High School in1966 she moved to Minneapolis and later to Fridley.

She was preceded in death by parents William and Lois Crouch, aunt and uncle Evelyn and Russell Peterson, first husband Bill Gardiner, second husband Steve Sanek, sister and brother-in-law Jean and Don McGiffin, and brother and sister-in-law Bill and Marty Crouch.

She is survived by brother Steve Crouch (Karen), 7 nieces and nephews, 10 grand nieces and nephews, and cousins Lois Schieffert, Sleepy Eye, MN, Marge Favreau, Montrose, MN, Yvonne Haas, Woodbury, MN, and Michael Crouch, Sleepy Eye, MN.

Linda loved her many dog companions over the years and enjoyed reading, following the news and sports, attending family gatherings, and visiting with her life-long group of friends, including Dixie, Diane, and Mary. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Thank you to the staff at Mercy Hospital-Coon Rapids for their loving care of Linda in the last days of her life.

A private memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Animal Humane Society of Minnesota or a charity of your choice.