Obituary of Linda Mary Hoag

Linda Mary (Steffen) Hoag, 79, of Minnetonka, Minnesota, formerly of Fargo, died peacefully on May 21, 2025, at J. A. Wedum Residential Hospice in Brooklyn Park, Minn. after several months of illness.

She was born in St. Cloud, Minn. on March 19, 1946, to the Rev. George and Florence (Matzke) Steffen. They also lived in New Salem, N.D. and Brainerd, Minn. 

Linda graduated from New Salem, N.D., high school in 1964 and from Jamestown College (now University of Jamestown) in 1968, majoring in elementary education. She taught fourth grade, worked as a substitute teacher, and taught reading in the Title I program.

She married Martin "Marty" Hoag in Brainerd, Minn., on August 12, 1970. They enjoyed over 54 years together, most of it in Fargo where they raised their two sons. Linda and Marty moved to the Orchards of Minnetonka Senior Community in 2023 to be closer to the grandkids and other family.

Linda was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, Fargo, North Dakota, for over 50 years, singing in choir, serving as an ordained deacon and a member of Presbyterian Women, and past president of the Town Hall lecture series. She was known for her baking, especially yummy coffee cakes. She greatly enjoyed a tradition of making donuts with the grandchildren for New Year’s.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her husband, Marty; sons, Andrew (Nicole Blaker) of New York City and Eric (Melissa) of St. Louis Park, Minn. with grandchildren Alexandra, Lauren and Eddie; brothers Dan (Connie) Steffen and Paul (Jan) Steffen; sisters-in-law Sue (Greg) Waite and Debbie (Doug) Landers; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family thanks all the doctors, nurses, assistants and other staff at Hennepin County Healthcare, Orchards of Minnetonka, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, J. A. Wedum, Allina Health Hospice and Allina Health Restorative Suites. Linda especially appreciated the care of her primary care provider, Dr. Claire Carlson.

The memorial service will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 1:30 PM CDT at First Presbyterian Church, Fargo, N.D. with visitation beginning an hour before. The service will be livestreamed on the church website. Visit firstpresfargo.org to view the service. Memorials are suggested to First Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.  Arrangements by Cremation Society of Minnesota and First Presbyterian Church.