Gudrun Karoline Linden

Gudrun Karoline Linden, aged 81, passed away peacefully at Benefis Peace Hospice on Friday, November 3, 2023, with her daughter, Lisa, by her side after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.

On June 2, 1942, Gudrun was born in Giessen, Germany to Josef and Irmgard Geitz.  After her schooling, she worked in the private sector in Germany until she accepted a secretarial position with the Quartermaster Division with the U.S. Military.  After corresponding over the pond for a year, she came to the U.S. where she and Dr. Franz Linden married in 1963.  They welcomed a daughter, Lisa in 1968.

Gudrun loved the craft of weaving. She took many lessons and a special class in a Husflieden School located in Norway.  She had such wonderful memories from this experience. Her colorful wall hangings and garments were enjoyed by many. She was also a former member of Gallery 16, volunteered for the MT Wilderness Association, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, as well other civic work. Gudrun enjoyed spending time with her “second family,” members of the Big Sky Bridge Club where she achieved gold Lifemaster status. Family, lifelong good friends, her garden, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with her dog, Jessie, gave her great joy. Along with being a lover of all animals and spending time with nature, Gudrun was an avid learner. From ancient world history and religion to different philosophies of living, she was always up for an in-depth conversation about life.

Gudrun is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Tracy) Linden O’Connor; grandchildren, Kyle, Bryn, and Shayla; niece, Eva; and nephew, Michael Geitz (both of Germany). She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Walter Geitz.

Per her words, “I consider it to be the greatest gift in my life to have lived in Montana.”

There will be no service at this time, and a celebration of life will take place at a later date to be determined.  Thank you to all the staff at Benefis Hospice for your excellent and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Benefis Peace Hospice of Great Falls or the Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center.