Linda Sue Thoene of rural Taylor, Nebraska passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the age of 71.

Linda Svoboda was born on December 3, 1954, on her family's farm in Garfield County, Nebraska, to James F. Sr. and Margaret A. (Walkowiak) Svoboda. She was the youngest of eleven children. Linda graduated from Burwell High School in 1973 and pursued a career in nursing after completing her education at NNTCC School of Practical Nursing. She dedicated herself as an LPN at both the Hospital and Nursing Home in Burwell.

In 1975, she married Donald Koger, and they made their home on the family farm in Garfield County, welcoming their daughter, Erin, in 1982. Linda later embarked on a career at the Garfield County Courthouse where she served as Deputy County Treasurer and then as County Treasurer until retiring in 2020. During this time, she also worked at Pizza Palace and dedicated her service as an EMT for the Burwell Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department while making her home in Burwell.

In September 2013, Linda married Eugene Thoene at Tok, Alaska, and they settled west of Taylor, Nebraska. She supported their ranch's operations by doing the bookwork and contributed actively to the VFW Auxiliary.

Upon retirement, Linda enjoyed spending her time sewing, quilting, crocheting, and engaging in hobbies such as puzzles, board games, and gardening. She cherished moments spent with family and friends, with whom she shared many beloved visits.

Linda was a member of the Midvale Social Club, VFW Auxiliary and Burwell Quilt Guild and was a 4-H Club Leader.

Survivors include her husband, Eugene of rural Taylor; her daughter, Erin Koger of Grand Island; stepchildren, Shawn and Asia Thoene of Grand Island and Amber Williams of Burwell; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; brother, Alan and Linda Svoboda of Holdrege; and three sisters, Katheleen Mead of Burwell, Marylyn Scharton of St. Paul and Rosalene “Toots” and Buzz Tollman of Marsland.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don Koger who passed away in 1999; brothers, Jim Svoboda, Jr., Dale Svoboda and Tony Svoboda; sisters, Marge Mayberry, Jeanie Lemmer and Irene VanWinkle; and a step-son-in-law, Levi Williams.

A Christian Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burwell, Nebraska. Pastor Timothy M. Reicks will officiate. Interment will be in the Cottonwood Cemetery at Burwell, Nebraska. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Still Waters Funeral Parlor.

Memorials are suggested to the Burwell Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.