Obituary of Linda Frances Kovalik

Linda F. Kovalik, (December 6, 1945-June 29, 2023)

Linda was born in Chicago and died in the SICU at Marshfield Hospital in Wisconsin. She attended Arlington Heights High School in Illinois, graduating in 1964; the picture of her is her graduation photo. She attended the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, but didn’t pursue a degree. 

All animals were dear to her when she was a child, and she continued her love of horses into adulthood. One job she had was “ponying” race horses at the track. This involved riding her own large strong horse to escort the thoroughbred racers (often squirrely!) out to the track and starting gate. She also had a job boarding and caring for horses, working with experienced veterinarians and learning expert care for all manner of injuries and ailments. During this time, she also bought a truck and an aluminum horse trailer/ambulance, transporting many animals to and from the tracks and horse hospitals.

After many years with horses, Linda went into trucking, buying her own semi and later—following in her father’s footsteps—an aluminum dump trailer. When the trucking business fell off, she moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, where her brother Ron lives. During the 18 months she spent there, she attended a diesel mechanic school program, where she outperformed all the men and recent high school grads. By the end of the class she could take apart a diesel engine and reassemble it flawlessly.

When she returned to Wisconsin, she lived in a tack house/chicken coop which she converted into a cozy home. She joined St. John Lutheran (ELCA) Church, where she was active in leadership and maintenance rolls as well as many fundraisers. 

Linda is survived by her brother Ron in Fairbanks, Alaska, and many dear and loving friends around the country.

Memorial service is at 11:00 on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at St. John Lutheran (ELCA) on Highway N in Edgar.

Linda’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.