***** The SERVICE IS POSTPONED TO: ****
Saturday, January 20, 2024 ~ 2:00 p.m.
Wahoo Bible Church ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
Saturday, January 13, 2024 ~ 10:30 a.m.
Wahoo Bible Church ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
*The service will be live-streamed on the Wahoo Bible Church Facebook page.
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 ~ 10:00 a.m.
Lincoln Memorial Park ~ Lincoln, Nebraska
Linda Jo Larson, 76, of Wahoo, Nebraska, was born August 1, 1947, in Omaha. Her adoptive parents were Willard “Bill” and Lucille E. (Ekdahl) Larson.
She had congenital heart disease, and her parents were told she would be unlikely to survive childhood. Because of this she was not allowed to play outside or do the normal activities a child would do. Her parents took her to various hospitals as a child where doctors performed surgeries on her heart to try to extend her life expectancy. Every day to Linda was a gift from God and she chose to live life to the fullest.
Linda went on to graduate from Wahoo Public in 1965 and Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1970. At Wesleyan she a member of the Willard Sorority and was W-Club Sweetheart Attendant. She worked as a phlebotomist at Bryan and St. Elizabeth Hospitals in Lincoln and later ran a business selling antiques and Hallmark collectibles. She travelled to collectibles shows across the United States with her mother after her father passed away in 1995. Later in life she worked in the call center at Omaha Steaks during holiday seasons and liked helping callers find the best deals for their holiday gifts.
She participated in case studies involving congenital heart disease in adults throughout her life. On November 6, 2023, she entered Nebraska Medicine hospital in Omaha where three heart valves were replaced in a surgery lasting 15 hours. Linda’s body was not able to overcome various complications and she passed away December 29, 2023, having spent all but two of the intervening days in the cardiovascular intensive care unit.
Among other activities, Linda enjoyed dancing, sailboarding, snow skiing, traveling, and watching movies. She never said “no” when given the chance to go somewhere or do something with anyone. She had numerous circles of friends and enjoyed being with people. Linda attended Wahoo Bible Church and knew the Lord as her personal Savior. She welcomed the day when she would meet Him face to face.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. She is survived by a brother, Richard Vana, aunts, cousins, and many friends.
This Harlan Dostal from Round Rock, TX. I’m so sorry to hear of Linda’s failing health. She is such a sweet lady and dear friend. I met Linda in about 1983 at a Halloween Dance. I was dressed as Groucho Marx, and I believe she was dressed as the Good Witch (not sure). We had a conversation and a couple of dances, and then they announced that there would be a Jitterbug Contest. I ask Linda if we should enter the contest, and she said yes. As luck would have it, we won the contest. The prize was a dinner at one of the restaurants in Lincoln. I asked her if she would like to have dinner with me sometimes —- she said yes —- and a couple weeks later we had dinner together. We have been friends ever since. Even after I moved to Texas 25 years ago. I send her a Christmas Card every year, and she typically responds with a card or phone call.
When I lived in Lincoln and Linda worked at Bryan Hospital, I would enter the annual 5-K Run at the Hospital and sometimes she would too, or she would watch. I also believe that one year she attended the Governor’s Fitness Camp (when Bob Kerry was Governor) as did I. Although Linda had heart problems as a small child, back then when I lived in Lincoln, she tried to keep fit and was in good health. I’m sorry that her health is failing now.
I always have fond memories of our time together and our continued friendship over all the years.
Linda was always smiling and loved to talk. Whoever wrote the obituary did a great job! I didn’t realize how active she was!
Rest in peace dear lady!
George Haessler
Weather will prevent me from attending the service but my sympathies to all Linda’s family and friends. I had not seen my cousin as much in recent years but have many fond memories of all the fun family gatherings when her parents were also with us. I will miss her a lot.
I will miss you Aunt Linda, the way you came to England to visit the Vana family when we were stationed there when I was a kid, and you taught me how to tie my shoes, that stays with me always. My sisters and I willl always remember you Aunt Linda, fly high with the angels, please locate Mom and sister Wendy for me, and may you both meet us at the pearly gates. With all my love, I miss you..
Robbin Vana, and the Vana family.
Linda and I were good friends when I was a graduate student at UNL in the 1970s. We met while ice skating had many wonderful conversations and shared interests. After graduating, I moved to Pittsburgh and she visited me there. Over the years, we lost touch and I am saddened to hear of her long demise and death. I have many fond memories of her, and one of the most touching was when she came to see me off as I was packing my car to drive back east from Lincoln. I remember the tears in her eyes and our hug.
I found this obituary as I searched for her on the Internet. I will be visiting Lincoln after 47 years next month (October, 2024) and wanted to see her. I am heartbroken hearing of her suffering in her final weeks and hope she is in a better place now.
Rest in peace, sweet Linda.
Steve Weitzenkorn