Constance "Connie" J. Linder, 62, of Owatonna, died Saturday, June 5, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota. Connie was born August 9, 1947 in Belle Plaine, Iowa the daughter of Leo and Lucille (Walton) Kern. She was united in marriage to James "Jim" Linder on September 10, 1966 at the United Methodist Church in Belle Plaine, IA. There they made their home until 1969. They then moved to Normal, IL and lived there until 1974 when they moved to Owatonna. She worked for Brett's Department store in Owatonna and for the Diet Center. She then worked as a Title One Aide for St. Mary's Catholic School and the Owatonna Public School District. She later became a Special Education Aide. Connie really loved the children and enjoyed helping them. She later retired. Connie was active and volunteered with many organizations. She helped with Meals on Wheels, Healthy Seniors and the Child Abuse Center. She was a member of the Women's Club and the Owatonna Arts Center where she received the Owatonna Arts Center Volunteer of the Year in 2009. Connie and Jim also enjoyed going to plays and to the theatre at the Guthrie Theatre, the Ordway and the Orpheum Theatre. She enjoyed reading, travel and loved the ocean. She especially had a special place in her heart for her family and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Jim Linder of Owatonna; a daughter, Darcie Linder (and Chris Jacobsen) of Shakopee; a son, Doug Linder (and Jenny Waltz) of Owatonna; a brother, Ronnie (and Maureen) Kern of Cedar Rapids; three sisters, Marilyn (and Don) Suchy of Raleigh, NC; Janet Wagner of Cedar Rapids; Beth (and Gary) Lamb of Chelsea, IA; a grandson, Grady Linder of Owatonna; and two special grandchildren, Gavin and Tayiah Waltz of Owatonna. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother-in-law Don Wagner. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Celebration of Connie''s life will be held Thursday, June 10, 2010 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Owatonna Arts Center. Interment will be in the Rice Lake Cemetery, Dodge County. Memorials are preferred to the Steele County Food Shelf or to the Owatonna Arts Center. Visitation: 06/09/2010 16:00 06/09/2010 19:00 Service: Owatonna, Minnesota 06/10/2010 16:00