John Thomas Lindner of Bella Vista, Arkansas, died at home on Saturday, June 7, 2025. He was 76 years old.

John was named after both grandfathers; John Adolph Lindner was his paternal grandfather, and Thomas Bates was his maternal grandfather. He was born at Florence Nightingale Hospital in Dallas, Texas, on April 16, 1949, and was baptized at First Lutheran in Dallas on September 18, 1949. John grew up in Dallas except for one year when the family lived in Louisiana. The pastors and youth leaders at Our Redeemer had an impactful influence on his teenage years.

When he graduated from Lake Highlands High School in 1967, he decided to go to Concordia Austin. A year later he transferred to Concordia St. Paul, where he met the love of his life, Cheri Carlson. They married in November of 1971. He graduated in May of 1972 and was placed at St. Michael Lutheran School in Fort Myers, Florida where he taught sixth grade history and religion as well as serving as den leader for a group of Girl Scouts. After two years he realized he wanted to go to the Seminary, so he and Cheri loaded up their belongings and moved to Springfield, Illinois for a year of school.

In February of 1975 John had an interview with the headmaster of Hong Kong International School. Both he and Cheri got contracts to teach, so they got on an airplane and flew to Hong Kong. Three wonderful years later with daughter Heather in tow, they moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana for his second year of Seminary training. He served his vicarage year at Memorial Lutheran Church in Ames, Iowa.

Aimee was born in Ames, and at the end of vicarage everyone made the move back to Fort Wayne to finish at the Seminary. He was called to serve as a missionary in the Philippines. Three years gave him the insight that it was time to go back to the United States. He landed in Lampasas, Texas at Faith Lutheran Church. After two years there, he moved to Burleson, Texas and a Call to serve at Charity Lutheran Church. Catherine was born, and after two years John took another Call to work with Pastor John Kieschnick at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Nassau Bay, Texas. John served as director of pastoral care and counseling.

Seven years at Gloria Dei gave John lots of experience and he was ready for his own congregation at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Plano, Texas. His time was very satisfying as the church grew. He retired in 2013.

He and Cheri moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, where he served at Peace Lutheran Church in Prairie Grove for a year and a half. Traveling, reading, and watching his birds were his favorite pastimes. His seven grandchildren and three sons-in-law gave him lots to enjoy and be proud of. His favorite hymn was Eternal Father, Strong to Save.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a BBQ lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1101 W Hudson Road, Rogers, AR 72757, followed by a funeral service at 1:30 p.m. officiated by Pastor Al Lunneberg and Pastor Lynn Spencer and burial to follow at Bella Vista Cemetery.

For those who wish to honor John, memorials may be sent to the Lindner family to be distributed to meaningful organizations in his name.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.