Linda Medalen

WILLISTON -- Services for Linda Tone Medalen, 44, Williston, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Williston, with the Rev. Raymond Aydt officiating. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery, Williston.

A prayer service will begin at 5 p.m. today at the church.

Linda Tone Medalen was a beloved wife, loving and caring daughter, adored godmother and a special and true friend. She died in a Bismarck hospital, Aug. 11, 1997, of an aneurysm.

Linda was born April 9, 1953, at Mercy Hospital in Williston, to Stanley and Charlotte (Nordby) Tone. She attended St. Joseph and Williston High Schools, graduating in 1971. After graduation, Linda attended Trinity School of Nursing in Minot, receiving her diploma as a registered nurse. Richard O. Medalen and Linda Tone were married June 14, 1975, in Williston. Rick and Linda resided in Williston, then Crosby, where Linda worked as a nurse at the Crosby Clinic. After returning to Williston, Linda worked with life insurance medical exams and was a home health nurse. She also taught courses at UND-Williston. Linda returned to school to earn a bachelor of science degree in nursing, graduating cum laude from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, in 1989. That same year, she joined the newly formed Mercy Mental Health Unit as a registered nurse and later became a certified psychiatric and mental health nurse. In December of 1995, Linda was appointed director of the mental health unit. She was a preceptor for the nursing program, served on the nurse advisory council, and on the quality improvement committee. She was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, an international society for nurses.

Linda is survived by her husband, Rick; her parents, Stanley and Charlotte Tone, Williston; two sisters-in-law and their husbands, Sharon and Dennis Kvalheim, Bismarck, and Marlys and Howard Bartels, Overland Park, Kan.; three nephews; four nieces; and three godchildren, Jamie, Jenna and Jeffrey Skadeland.

There are many wonderful traits that made up Linda's life. She loved to collect bears, candles and special things for her house. Rick and Linda have been sweethearts and best friends since high school. Together they have enjoyed softball, canning, decorating their home and entertaining friends. She was devoted to her mother and father and was always grateful for the time they were able to share daily. She was also dedicated to her work at Mercy Mental Health Unit and to the colleagues she had the opportunity to work and share time with. For her many friends, she will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, humor, sincerity and kindness. Family and friends were always greeted with the "Love, laughter and friends are welcome here" sign at the door, after a visit, you knew that was from the heart.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. today at Fulkerson Funeral Home, Williston, and will continue at the church one hour before services.