Linda M. Emerson, age 80, of Waubun, MN, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home in Mahnomen, MN.

Linda Marie Pederson was born on May 20, 1946, in Detroit Lakes, MN, to Charlie and Marie (Hilstad) Pederson. She grew up in the Waubun area and graduated from Waubun High School with the Class of 1964. During her school years, Linda lived with Lloyd and Betty Benson, helping care for their children, a relationship that blossomed into a lifelong friendship between the two families.

Following graduation, Linda was united in marriage to Vincent Sura. Although they later separated, they were blessed with a son, Vincent Edward. Linda went on to attend Global Business College in St. Paul, MN, before beginning a career as a machinist in Delano, MN, where she dedicated more than 20 years to her work. In the early 1970's, she married Robert Emerson, and together they made their home in New Brighton until later separating.

In the late 1990's, Linda owned and operated the Vergas Café before passing it on to her sister, Caroline. She later returned to the Waubun area and worked in the warehouse at Shooting Star Casino until retiring in 2007. Linda was known for her incredible work ethic and determination, you could often find her hauling a keg alongside her oxygen tank, never letting anything slow her down. In December 2025, she moved to Golden Manor in Detroit Lakes before later making her home at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

One of Linda's favorite memories was from her childhood, walking with her grandfather, Sigvold Hilstad, to a grove of birch trees where they would lie on the ground, watching the ants, leaves, and birds while enjoying the quiet beauty of nature. That love of the outdoors stayed with her throughout her life, and she especially enjoyed walking in the woods and hunting.

Linda also loved crocheting, creating treasured baby blankets for her family and teaching younger generations how to crochet. She enjoyed playing cards, listening to Elvis, and spending time with her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was endlessly patient with them, at least until the wooden spoon made an appearance. She also had a playful sense of humor, and at family gatherings everyone knew to keep an eye on their boyfriends because Linda just might try to charm them away. She was one of the toughest women you could ever meet, with an even bigger heart. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Linda is survived by her son, Vincent Edward Sura; grandchildren: Nathan "Boo" Sura, Rebeca Sura, Johnathan Rodrigez, and Chaz Sura; great-grandchildren: Chance, Hope, Abel, and Will Johnson, Nicholas Vargas, and Tyler Rodrigez; brother, Charles (Kari) Pederson; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Linda was preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Rhonda Gene-Sura; and sisters, Caroline Gerving and Jeri "Toots" Fjelstad.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with a visitation starting one hour before, at Lake Grove Lutheran Church, rural Waubun.