Linden was born in Churchbridge, Saskatchewan to Frederick Otto and Evelyn Dressler. He was baptized on January 18th 1942, and confirmed in Trinity Lutheran Church in Churchbridge on June 2nd 1959. At the age of 14, he decided to begin his studies to become a Lutheran pastor. He attended Concordia College in Edmonton, Alberta and then transferred to Concordia College in Fort Wayne, Indiana where he received his Bachelors of Arts. He received his Masters of Divinity in 1968 from Concordia Lutheran Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.
Linden married Gloria Welke of Langenburg, Saskatchewan in 1966. Following graduation, he received his first call to serve at Peace Lutheran Church in Taber, Alberta. This included serving the congregation of Duchess Lutheran, in Duchess Alberta, 72 miles from Taber. Their sons Mark and Paul, were born and raised in Taber. Gloria taught elementary school there for many years.
In 1999, Linden accepted a call to Emmanuel Lutheran, Southey, Saskatchewan where he served until his retirement in 2006. Linden and Gloria lived in Saskatoon for 8 years and then returned to Alberta in 2014 where they resided in Stony Plain.
Linden had a love of learning. His interests were theology, art, classical music, history, languages, travel, current events and of course, the Roughriders. As his close friend Alfred said, “He embraced life in all its fullness.”
Linden is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Gloria; his two sons Mark (Michelle) and Paul (Dusty-Lynn); his 4 grandchildren, Emily, Maria, Anson, and Easton; and his sister Lorraine (Dennis) Kendel of Saskatoon.
Linden is predeceased by his parents Evelyn and Otto and his brother Ted.
He will be remembered for sharing God’s love in his gentle, caring, and nonjudgmental way.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you kindly make a donation in Linden’s memory to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 5021 52 Avenue, Stony Plain AB, T7Z 1C1. Please indicate if the donation is to be directed towards the Church or the school (SML Christian Academy).
A Funeral Service for Linden will be held Friday, October 28, 2022 - 2:00 PM at St Matthew Lutheran Church, 5021 52 Avenue, Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1C1.
Following the Service a Graveside will be held from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at St. Matthew Lutheran Church Cemetery, 79 Avenue, Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1L1.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ParklandFuneralServices.com for the Dressler family.
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