Linda Diane Dieken (Doty), 70, of Ham Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, after a courageous five-year battle with ALS, while holding her beloved husband Al's hand.
Linda was born on March 5, 1955, to Glenn and Elinor Doty in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
She cherished childhood memories of Sunday night popcorn dinners, playing with her older brother, Dan, annual family vacations to Estes Park, Colorado, and San Diego, California, backyard picnics, church activities, and visits to her grandparents’ farm near Clarks Grove, Minnesota.
Linda attended Albert Lea High School and, after graduation, married Curt Eastlund in 1973. The couple moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where Curt served in the Navy. While there, Linda studied at Wards Corner Beauty Academy and, after graduating, worked at Captain Freedom Haircuts. In 1977 they welcomed their son, Daniel.
After returning to Minnesota, Linda managed 108 apartments for over two years.
In 1981, she married John White and moved to Ham Lake, where she established and operated The White House beauty shop. For over four decades, she provided haircuts, perms, and—most importantly—the gift of good conversation, until her retirement in 2022.
Linda and John enjoyed playing 500 with friends, doing puzzles, woodworking, and spending weekends at the cabin—most recently on Lake Miltona near Alexandria, Minnesota—where they fished, played cards, and competed in lively horseshoe and bean bag games. They shared many happy years together until John’s passing in January 2002.
Through a close mutual friend, Connie, Linda later met Al Dieken, and the two were married in 2004. Together they enjoyed countless motorcycle and car rides, travels to Texas, Branson, San Diego, Kansas City, and Europe, and ski trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the Traveling Club Scenic Cruiser bus. They also loved hosting pool parties with live music and gathering often with family and friends.
Outside of her family, Linda’s greatest passions included her faith, playing the piano, fundraising, and spending time both at the cabin and in the pool at home. She loved playing Scrabble, Words With Friends, and card games with her many friends.
Linda will be fondly remembered for her musical talents, selfless generosity, outgoing personality, and beautiful smile.
She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Alan Dieken; her son, Daniel (Bonnie) Eastlund; stepchildren Scott Dieken, David (Anika) Dieken, Ryan Dieken, Debbie (Cory) Mulvaney, Kathleen (David) Reed, and Scott White; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and friends.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Elinor Doty; her brother, Dan Doty; and her husbands, Curtis Eastlund and John White.
Funeral Service 11:00 am Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Oak Haven Church (1555 Constance Blvd. N.E., Ham Lake) Visitation 10:00 am until time of service.
Interment 2:00 pm Morningside Memorial Gardens.
Memorials can be sent to Oak Haven Church (Ham Lake, MN), and Cities Cop Church (Arden Hills, MN).
