HAM LAKE, Minn. — Editor’s note: This story originally aired on Christmas Day, 2023. Linda Dieken passed away on Oct. 29, 2025, after a five-year battle with ALS. She was 70.

Linda’s husband, Al, told KARE 11 his wife’s donated piano is now part of “her legacy.”

I n a statement, Captain Daniel Simmons of the Salvation Army said, “The piano has become a true blessing to our corps. It has elevated our worship, inspired our musicians, and created new opportunities for both kids and adults to grow in their musical gifts.”

Here’s the original story:

Credit: Mitchell Yehl/KARE Linda Dieken, who has ALS, plays the baby grand piano she donated to the Salvation Army.

Could there be anything sadder than the silent piano of a pianist, robbed of her ability to play?

“Yep, that’s life,” L

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