Throughout her life, Linda expressed her creativity not only through her artwork, but also through the love, encouragement, and care she offered to her family, friends, animals, and community.
Born in Lincoln on February 17, 1946, to Rudy and Verneda Schidler, Linda carried a generous and imaginative spirit into every chapter of her life. From creating beautiful window displays and exhibiting her artwork to supporting her daughter’s dreams and bringing comfort to patients through her therapy dogs, she touched others with her kindness, compassion, and unwavering devotion. Her legacy lives on in the art she created, the family she cherished, and the many people whose lives were enriched by her presence.
Linda first met Kenny when he was the family’s paper boy. The two continued to run into each other throughout childhood, becoming smitten with one another at an early age. While they were dating, Linda worked at Miller and Paine, where she put her artistic talents to work creating window displays.
In 1967, Linda and Kenny traveled to Petaluma, California, where Kenny’s father was the fire chief, to be married. They began their married life in Lincoln, where their daughter, Cosette, was born. When Cosette was six months old, the family moved to Marin County, California.
After a series of odd jobs, Kenny eventually found his place on the fire department, while Linda devoted herself to raising Cosette, attending classes at Marin County College, and continuing to develop her art. Her creativity was never simply a pastime; it was an essential part of who she was.
In 1975, the family returned to Nebraska and settled on an acreage north of Waverly. There, Cosette’s childhood dream of owning a pony came true when she was seven years old. Linda shared her daughter’s love of horses and, in many ways, lived vicariously through Cosette’s passion for riding. She was a constant presence at the barn and at horse shows, always ready to help and always encouraging Cosette to pursue what she loved.
Throughout the years of raising her family, Linda continued to pursue her art. She was involved with numerous arts organizations and became an active and valued member of Nebraska’s artistic community. Her affiliations included the Burkholder Project and Impact Nebraska, and she served as a docent at the Sheldon Museum of Art. Her work was featured in multiple exhibitions at the Burkholder Project, including Artists Choosing Artists, as well as exhibitions at other venues, including UNL Place and the Museum of Nebraska Art.
Linda also found a meaningful way to combine her love of animals with her desire to help others through the Angel Dog community at Madonna Rehabilitation Center. Benson and Bopa, her beloved black Labradoodles, formed a special connection with the patients they visited. Sharing those moments with others was deeply meaningful to Linda and became another important part of her life.
Linda will be remembered for her artistic talent, her devotion to her family, her love of horses and dogs, and the quiet, steady support she gave to the people she loved. Above all, she was a mother who encouraged her daughter’s dreams and made sure she was there—at the barn, at the horse shows, and throughout all of life’s chapters.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Rudy and Verneda Schidler; her brother, Mike Schidler; and her sister-in-law, Kathy.
She is survived by her husband, Kenny; her daughter, Cosette; her son-in-law, Dustin Crist; and her beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Linda leaves behind a lifetime of art, love, memories, and the many lives she touched through her family, her creativity, her animals, and her generosity of spirit. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Church, located at 6300 A Street in Lincoln, Nebraska, on October 10 at 11:00 a.m.
Memorials can be made to the Capital Humane Society (6500 S 70th St Lincoln, NE 68516) in lieu of flowers.