Lynda Kay Kovarik

Born in 1952 to Joanne Clark and Antone Frkovich, Lynda Frkovich grew up in Springfield and attended Blessed Sacrament School, where her Catholic faith and commitment to service first took root. She graduated from Springfield High School and St. John’s School of Nursing, Class of 1973, a community she cherished throughout her life. Lynda was immensely proud to be a nurse, proudly earning her CCRN and serving in roles that allowed her to make a meaningful difference each and every day.

In 1974, she married Fred Thompson and the couple moved to Chicago where she began her career at Hines VA Hospital. Nursing wasn’t just a job for Lynda, it was her calling. She loved caring for veterans and held deep respect for their service.

Later, she married Dr. Michael Kovarik, where Lynda continued her nursing work in the recovery area of a Veterans Hospital, with that same compassion and dedication that defined her career. She treasured the experiences and relationships she built there, and she was proud to balance raising her family with serving patients in the community.

She returned to Springfield and joined the Prairie Heart Cardiothoracic Care team at St. John’s Hospital. Later, she continued her commitment to public service working 20 years in Assisted Living with the State of Illinois, IDPH, retiring in 2022.

Lynda embraced every opportunity to support the next generation of nurses. She mentored students, fundraised for scholarships, and continued to champion St. John’s College of Nursing and the classmates who became lifelong friends. She was known for saying that nursing gave her far more than she could ever give back.

Outside of work, Lynda found joy on the golf course. Golf was truly her happy place, offering friendship, competition, and laughter. She also loved volunteering, whether with her HOA, supporting a friend’s fundraising foundation, or helping veterans experience Honor Flights to Washington, D.C., a cause that was incredibly close to her heart.

Lynda was preceded in death by her mother, Janet Staber, her father Antone Frkovich, her stepfather Lloyd Staber, and her sister Jannie Frkovich, all of Springfield.

She leaves behind her children, Christy and Bryan Thompson of Scottsdale, Arizona, who will forever carry her humor, strength, and loving spirit. She is also survived by her stepbrother Butch Staber, his wife Lisa Staber, niece Staci Hardin, nephew Zach Staber, all of Springfield, as well as many cousins in Alabama and Pontiac, and more friends than could ever be counted. She adored her grand-dogs, Asia and Koda, and Mr. Big the grand tortoise, who brought her endless laughter and joy.

Everyone who knew Lynda will remember her as warm, silly, generous, and deeply compassionate; the kind of person who showed up, who gave freely, and who made people feel seen and cared for. Whether caring for patients, cheering on a friend, or simply sharing a laugh, she had a way of making life brighter.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date, where family and friends will come together to honor the woman who meant so much to so many.

Her kindness, her laughter, and her giving heart will be dearly missed and forever cherished.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.