Rev. Ronald Linder, age 83, of Iuka, Illinois, was welcomed into the gates of Heaven with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” on Thursday, November 5, 2026. After a long and courageous battle with declining health, Ron is now free from pain, casting his line into the rivers of Heaven and rejoicing in the presence of his Lord and Savior.
Ron was born on March 26, 1943, in Iuka, Illinois, the son of Rev. John and Norma (Silvey) Linder.
From an early age, Ron felt a calling to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He began preaching at just 17 years old, and by the age of 18, he was pastoring his first churches in Iola, West Point, and LaClede, Illinois. What began as a young man’s calling would become a lifetime devoted to serving the Lord and ministering to others.
On June 2, 1961, Ron married Elsie Anabess (Henson) Linder, affectionately known as Ann, in Iuka, Illinois. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and service. Throughout their marriage, Ron and Ann shared a deep love for the Lord, holding numerous revivals together as an evangelist and song evangelist. Their ministry touched countless lives and brought them many treasured friendships along the way.
Before entering full-time ministry, Ron worked for Knapp Oil Company for 18 years. During those years, he demonstrated an extraordinary work ethic, often working more than 40 hours a week, pastoring three churches on the Elm River Methodist Charge, and operating a small farm. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time to be a loving husband and devoted father.
Ron attended McKendree University and received his ordination through the Church of the Nazarene. Throughout his years of ministry, he pastored churches in the United Methodist and Nazarene denominations before eventually retiring from the Free Methodist Church. His passion for spreading the Gospel extended far beyond Southern Illinois, as he participated in several mission trips, sharing the love of Jesus Christ in places such as Mexico City and Chile.
In addition to his calling as a minister, Ron had a lifelong love for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gun enthusiast who especially enjoyed spending time in nature. He raised, trained, and sold Plott hounds and took great pleasure in raising livestock and caring for his many animals. His love for animals was unique; over the years, his pets even included raccoons and coyotes.
In 2012, Ron and Ann, lovingly known to many as “Ronnie and Anabess,” retired from full-time ministry and returned to the Henson family farm in Iuka. However, as the saying goes, preachers never truly retire; they simply go out to pastor. Ron continued answering God’s call, filling pulpits and preaching in churches throughout Southern Illinois until his passing.
Those who knew Ron will remember his powerful and impactful sermons, his infectious sense of humor, and his playful teasing. He had a special way of making people laugh, making them feel welcome, and offering a helping hand whenever someone was in need. Above all, Ron will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his servant’s heart, and his deep love for the Lord.
Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Linder of Iuka; his children, Steven Linder and wife Cindy (Lewis) of Greenfield, Indiana, David Linder and wife Michelle (Crain) of Iuka, Illinois, and Stacey Garrett and husband Ted of Lafayette, Indiana; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his sister, Leslie Luthe (Linder) of West Salem, Illinois; his niece, Melody Case (Luthe) of West Salem, Illinois; and his beloved dog, Katie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. John and Norma Linder; his brother-in-law, Larry Luthe; and his nephew, Karl Case.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Flora Nazarene Church in Flora, with Rev. Jake Phillips officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem and again on Monday from 10:00 am until the time of the service at the church. Interment will be in Iuka Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and will be received through Crouse Funeral Home in Salem. Arrangements are entrusted to Crouse Funeral Home in Salem, Illinois. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
