Linda Jean Mitzel, 53, Minot died on Friday, February 15, 2008 in a Minot hospital following a lengthy battle with lung cancer.

Linda was born on August 4, 1954 in Lincoln, England to Hubert and A. Cynthia (Johnson) Varnum. She was reared in England, Orlando FL and Miami FL. She graduated from Killian High School in Miami. While growing up in Florida, Linda enjoyed deep sea fishing and water activities.

Linda married Roger Mitzel on September 19, 1977 at Minot. They made their home in Minot and owned several homes in northwest Minot where she owned and operated Turtle Daycare in her home for many years. Most recently, she had been a caregiver and had worked at Walmart.

Linda was a member of several Daycare organizations and she especially enjoyed reading and listening to "Elvis" music. Linda also was a lover of all animals especially sheltie dogs of which she owned many. As a young girl Linda started collecting turtles. Her family and friends helped her to increase the collection to several thousand from all parts of the world. Linda also loved to cook and was very good at it. She was also very good at supervising Roger in the lawn and garden work. When her sons Brock and Ryan were in school she very much enjoyed their sporting events.

Linda's loving family includes her husband of 30 years Roger; sons: Brock Mitzel (Gina Caniano) of Grapevine TX and Ryan Mitzel (Christina Baltzell) of Fargo and father Hubert Varnum of Fort Walton Beach FL, mother-in-law: Delores Mitzel of Esmond, brothers-in-law: Glenn Mitzel of Dickinson and Darrell Mitzel of Rugby and Esmond as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Linda was preceded in death by her mother, sister Carol Varnum and father in law: Joe N. Mitzel.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park.
Visitation : Monday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.