Linnea Elizabeth Belt

Linnea Elizabeth Belt, age 90, of Morrison, Illinois, passed away on March 3, 2026, at Allure Nursing Home. She was born on September 9, 1935, in Morrison, Illinois, the daughter of Seth and Florence (Lind) Nelson.

Linnea was a first‑generation American and 100% Swedish, a heritage she carried with deep pride. Her parents were Swedish immigrant farmers who, in 1946, sold everything they owned to travel by boat back to Sweden. A year later, the family returned to Coleta, Illinois, where they continued to farm. Those early experiences shaped Linnea’s lifelong connection to Sweden, and she traveled back many times throughout her childhood and adulthood to visit family and maintain the ties that meant so much to her.

She graduated from Milledgeville High School with the Class of 1955. From 1955 to 1960, Linnea worked for Western Union as a telegrapher.

On October 14, 1956, Linnea married Frank Belt, and together they built a life rooted in family and farming. When her children were young, she devoted herself to being a -homemaker and farm wife. She drove a tractor, ran a baler, and fed the calves. In 1988, Linnea began working at Farm & Fleet in Sterling, Illinois, remaining there until her retirement in 2008.

Linnea was a longtime member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Morrison, where her Swedish roots found a natural home. She enjoyed reading, keeping up with the world around her, and watching sports on television, always ready to cheer on her favorite teams.

Linnea is survived by her daughter, Lori (Jon) Keppen of Chadwick, IL; her son, Dale (Lori) Belt of Morrison, IL; three grandchildren, Dustin (Cassie) Belt, Brandon Belt, and Matt (Anna) Keppen; and one great-grandchild, Kennedy Belt. Linnea is predeceased by her parents, Seth and Florence, and her husband, Frank.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Mt. Carroll. Visitation will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., prior to the service. Burial will follow at Grove Hill Cemetery, in Morrison.