Obituary

MARCENE J. LINSTROM ELGIN - Marcene J. Linstrom died Monday, Jan. 24, 2011, at Rush University Medical Center, after a long and heroic struggle with lung cancer. Born Sept. 18, 1930, in Rockford, Ill., the second daughter of Nils and Ida Larson. She married the Rev. Robert E. Linstrom on June 25, 1955, at Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford. Marcene majored in elementary music and Christian education at Luther/Midland University in Fremont, Neb., and also graduated from the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis. She served as lay parish worker at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Hopkins, Minn., and at First Lutheran Church in Rockford, where she was also a children's choir school director. She taught flute for many years and was a member of various church choirs for more than 50 years. Marcene served as the executive director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra during a period of rapid growth for 10 years from 1985 to 1995 and was recognized by the Illinois Council of Orchestras as "manager of the year" in 1995. Her husband served Lutheran congregations in Duluth, Minn., Gary, Ind., Richmond, Ind., and Elgin. She was a vital part of the ministry in each of these places serving on worship and music committees, the Bethany Arts Series and many music related programs. She was active in the communities in which she lived serving as a board member for the YWCA, chair of the women's division of the United Way, chair of the Richmond Women's Symphony League, and board member for the Elgin Enrichment Series. Member of the Elgin Symphony League, Altrusa International, the Di Chapter of PEO and the LOTE Investment Club. Survived by husband, the Rev. Robert Linstrom; sons, Pastor Robert (Becky), Pastor Timothy (Maria), David (Heather), and Stephen; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Predeceased by parents, Nils and Ida Larson. Service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave., in Crystal Lake. Graveside services and burial in Scandinavian Cemetery in Rockford. Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan., 28, at Laird Funeral Home in Elgin, and from 9:30 a.m. Saturday to time of service at the church. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra or Bethany Lutheran Church.