Obituary for David George Lindgren "Putt"

David George Lindgren “Putt” of Pella, IA, passed away on July 9^th, 2025, at the age of 90.

Dave was born to Paul and Anna Lindgren on September 9^th, 1934, in Princeton, Minnesota. After graduating from high school, he joined the Army, where he was chosen to be an elite Green Beret. He loved learning “mind over matter” schools of thought and made many jumps out of airplanes. 

After serving, he returned to Princeton, where he married his high school sweetheart, Arlene Hoeft, on October 5, 1957. They had two daughters, Lori and Leann. He had a long career working at Northwestern Bell, initially working as a lineman and then later as a telephone technician. 

Dave had an adventurous spirit; he enjoyed going camping, cross-country skiing, hiking, hunting, and snowmobiling. He was mechanically minded, always fixing things around the house and learning how things worked.

Around the age of 50, he began his passion for running. This hobby lasted for the next 30 years, where he completed 100+ races, including almost 20 marathons, often winning first in his age group.  

After retiring, Dave and Arlene sold all their possessions and spent the next six years traveling full-time in their fifth wheel. They visited all the towns named Princeton, each of the 48 continental states, and every Canadian province. 

When they were done traveling, Dave and Arlene settled down in Pella, IA, to be near their daughters and grandchildren. They bought an old home that he loved renovating. 

He is survived by his wife, Arlene, daughters Lori (Kelly) and Leann, grandchildren Brandon, Zach (Pilar), Hayley (Luke), and Levi, as well as his great-grandchildren Conrad and Lucy. Preceding him in death were his parents and siblings.

His cremains will be laid to rest at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Princeton, Minnesota

As per Dave’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the hospice in Pella, Comfort House.  

Arlene would enjoy receiving cards. Please send to: Arlene Lindgren, c/o Warm Welcomes, PO Box 103, Pella, IA 50219

Miss Me but Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room,
why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little … but not too long,
and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that was once shared,
miss me … but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take
and each must go alone,
It’s all part of the Master’s plan
a step on the road to home,
When you are lonely and sick of heart
go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in good deeds …
miss me … but let me go.

This poem was written by an AD patient. It first appeared in the Siouxland (Iowa) Chapter Newsletter after his death. Published again in a Florida newspaper, 2009.