Linda Van Lear

Linda A.Van Lear, age 73, of Faribault, MN, passed away Friday, January 8, 2021 at the Homestead Hospice House of Owatonna, following an extended illness.

Linda Ann was born on October 14, 1947 in Faribault, MN to Leo and Florence (Voegele) Plaisance.  She graduated from Bethlehem Academy High School with the class of 1965 and the University of Minnesota in 1970 with a degree in Social Work.  Linda worked as a social worker for 25 years at the Faribault Regional Center and 10 years with Hennepin County until her retirement.  She was married to Allan Van Lear on December 19, 1973 in Faribault.  Linda was an exceptional painter, receiving many awards for her artwork.  She also enjoyed making jewelry and a variety of crafts.  For 20 years, she and Al wintered in Texas and Linda often enjoyed teaching jewelry classes to friends in South Padre.  She was a member of the Paradise Center for the Arts and the Rice County Historical Society.

She is survived by her husband, Allan Van Lear; son, Brian (Jennifer) Van Lear; three grandchildren, Alexander, Rachel, and Lauren; brother, Milt (Judy) Plaisance; nieces and nephews, Deb (Pete) DeGrood, Dan (Jerine) Plaisance, Ann (Jeff) Bongers, and Don (Cheryl) Plaisance; and numerous great nephews and nieces and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Florence; and a great niece, Hannah Plaisance.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at the church.  For those unable to attend, you may watch the livestream of the funeral through a link on Linda’s obituary page at www.ParkerKohlFuneralHome.com

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society in memory of Linda.