Heidi Ann Linder

Heidi Ann Linder, 80, of Elkhart passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022 in her home.

Heidi was born Sept. 26, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to Elkhart natives George and Josephine "Jo" (Knight) Linder, who had moved to the city during the Great Depression in search of work and opportunity.

After several years in Chicago, the family ultimately returned to their roots in Elkhart, where her father George founded corrugated manufacturer Northern Box Co. in 1951. Heidi attended Elkhart High School and then headed south to study at Indiana University Bloomington. Upon leaving IU, Heidi moved to Manhattan where she worked as the right-hand woman to Madison Avenue pioneer Paula Green of Paula Green Advertising.

Having cut her teeth for years in New York, Heidi returned to Elkhart in 1979 to run the family's manufacturing business in the entirely male-dominated industry with her sister Tina (Linder) Ashbaugh where they specialized in pharmaceutical industry packaging. Heidi ultimately served as president of Northern Box Co. until her retirement in 2017.

Heidi was a longtime Elkhart Parks Department board member, First Presbyterian Church parishioner and LoveWay supporter.

Heidi is survived by sister Tina Ashbaugh, brother George Linder, aunt Sandy Weatherwax, and nieces Josephine Cohen and Katie Linder.

A private burial will take place at Rice Cemetery where Heidi will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Heidi's name may by made to the therapeutic equestrian riding charity LoveWay, at 54151 C.R. 33, Middlebury, IN 46540.

Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home in Elkhart has been entrusted with the arrangements.

To leave the family an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website.