Three men with ties to Mankato, including radio group co-owner J. David Linder, have died in an Alaska avalanche.
Alaska Wildlife Troopers report that 39-year-old Linder, 39-year-old Charles Eppard, and 38-year-old Jeremy Leif were skiing when they became buried in 40 to 100 feet of snow on Tuesday, March 4. Alaska’s KTUU-TV reported Thursday that the men have been confirmed dead.
Linder, whose residence is in Florida, has an ownership interest in 23 radio stations in the Mankato, Owatonna, Fairmont, Marshall, Willmar, and Duluth markets. He partnered with Lynn Ketelsen and his son Matt Ketelsen in the businesses.
Matt Ketelsen, managing partner of Radio Mankato, released an audio recording on the KTOE website saying, “I will remember Dave Linder as an amazing family man, one of the smartest people I’ve ever known, and someone who lived life to the fullest. Dave cared about his radio stations and the communities we serve. He lives behind a beautiful wife and three great children. We’re going to miss him.”
J. David Linder was a fourth-generation Minnesota radio owner, having taken over following the 2017 death of his father John R. Linder.
Through a trust, J. David Linder is a 50% voting member of Subarctic Media and Lakeland Media, a 45% voting shareholder of Blooming Prairie Farm Radio, a 5% voting shareholder of Main Street Broadcasting, and a 25% voting shareholder of City of Lakes Media. He is also a 40% voting member of Twin Ports Radio.
Lakeland Media is in the process of adding several stations in west-central Minnesota.