Linda Suzanne Machmeier

Linda Suzanne Machmeier

61, of Medina, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2020 after a courageous battle with lung cancer.  The world has been lessened by her departure, but a new angel has been born.

Linda was caring, nurturing and deeply spiritual, and had an inherent optimism and enthusiasm for life that shone from within.  She deeply cared about others, and she touched many with her kindness.  She had the gentlest and sweetest of souls—she couldn’t abide watching movie or television violence.  People were drawn to her by these qualities.  She was simply a lovely human being, and special beyond words.

Yet this gentle, caring woman was also a highly successful businesswoman.  She started Accounting Resource Group in 1985 (as Linda Gasch), as a solo tax and accounting practice.  Over the next 30+ years she hired staff and grew the business to over 500 clients.  She taught herself how to be an executive, through reading and business coaching.  She was the ultimate “servant leader.”  While she was task-list driven and detail oriented, her personal qualities always shone through and made her the leader that she became.  Both staff and clients loved her, and many became life-long friends.  And she excelled in business.  In 2013, Linda was recognized as one of the “Top Women in Finance” by Finance & Commerce magazine.

In the midst of the demands of running a growing business, Linda raised a growing family.  The yearly spring tax season, with its nearly 24/7 demands, was particularly challenging.  Yet, she balanced her career and family well and was a wonderful, loving mother to her three children.  In her spare time, she enjoyed tennis, skiing, travel, boating, sun bathing (either by the pool or at the beach), writing and dancing.  Nobody loved dancing more than Linda!

In early 2015 Linda met Bruce Machmeier.  They fell deeply in love, and were married in July 2016.  They traveled the world and spent quiet moments together at their house in Medina.  While their time together was far too short, it was still a deep blessing for both.

Linda is survived by her husband Bruce, her children, James Gasch, Jr. (Nikki), Laura Vickers (Ryan) and Jonathan Gasch (Abby Tilford), her former spouse, James Gasch, Sr. (Deb Jensen), Bruce’s children, Peter, Elizabeth and William, her mother, Jean Arne, and her nine living siblings, Therese Arne, Steve Arne (Bessie), Pam Horner (Brad), Jerry Arne (Karla), Mike Arne, Brian Arne (Jennifer), Kathleen Sullivan (nee Arne), Bob Arne (Joelle), and Jon Arne (Gretchen).

Linda was preceded in death by her sister, Jane Quammen, and her father, Dr. Gerald (“Jerry”) Arne.

Because of the current limitations on social gatherings, Linda’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately on April 29, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.   A Celebration of Linda’s life will be held at a later date.  Memorial donations in her memory may be made to A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation (abreathofhope.org).