Linda Cunningham of rural Sleepy Eye left her earthly dwelling to gain her eternal, heavenly home on Saturday, April 2, 2022 under hospice care. She was born on April 11, 1957 to Harold and Caroline Warwick in Amery, Wis. At the age of 7, she was providentially grafted into her oldest brother’s family and grew up as a daughter of Norman and Marlys Warwick. They moved to New Ulm in 1971. Linda graduated from New Ulm Christian School in 1975. She married the love of her life, Van Cunningham, that summer at First Baptist Church in New Ulm. Linda and Van made their home on the Cunningham farm in Sleepy Eye and built their lives there as active members of Calvary Baptist Church in Sleepy Eye. God blessed their union with a son, Jason. It was Linda’s joy and honor to work with and care for her in-laws, Earl and Della, carrying on their love and legacy of the farm. She and her family operated Cunningham Seed Farms where she was integral to its sustainability and success.
Linda’s life abounded in love and loyalty to her husband, son, and extended family; but her greatest love remained a steadfast love for Jesus, her Savior and strength. Linda cherished and appreciated her friendships and adored children. Teaching Sunday School with young children was a source of great joy. She had an eye for beauty and order. She loved collecting recipes, and her cooking will be remembered by many as a legendary highlight. Observing flowers, birds, and all things of nature, card crafting, scrapbooking, watching and reading westerns all enhanced Linda’s life and ours. Linda loved music and spent many pleasant hours playing the piano and singing. She loved to be organized and organizing for others, arranging a beautiful home which she shared with liberal hospitality. She was a source of joy and encouragement for many; rejoicing in and helping others to succeed. While maintaining the highest personal standards of excellence, kindness and a natural grace remained her consistent regulators.
In addition to her husband, Linda is survived by her son, Jason (Tina) Cunningham; two grandchildren, Hunter Rose (Hannah) of Sleepy Eye and Desirae (Max) Hartman of Sioux Falls, S.D.; three greatgrandchildren, Oakley and Bentley Rose and George Hartman; her brother, Jim (Deb) Warwick, and sisters, Pam (Alan) Krienke, Geralyn Lindow, Michelle King, as well as her siblings, Vern Warwick, Karen (Pete) Peterson, Sharen Lachowitzer, Jan (Kim) Warwick; her siblings-in-law, June Lloyd, Lee (Anne) Cunningham, and Joy Cunningham and a myriad of beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, a sister, Brenda, in childhood, and her parents all of whom she deeply loved.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in New Ulm and a private burial will take place at the Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home NORTH Chapel and will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Friday.
The Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in New Ulm is in charge of the arrangements.
To leave an online condolence for her family or to sign the guest book go to www.mvfh.org.
