Linda DeAnne McDowall, age 65, of Kimball, Nebraska, passed away on December 29, 2025, at the Kimball County Manor in Kimball. Private funeral services will be at the Cantrell Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Bohac officiating. Burial will be held in the Kimball Cemetery. Friends may visit www.cantrellfh.com to share stories and condolences with the family. Donations may be given in Linda’s memory to Panhandle Humane Society. The services for Linda have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.
Linda was born in Sidney, Nebraska on September 26, 1960, the daughter of Curtis and Marlys (Thomas) Knigge and spent most of her life rooted in the Kimball area she called home.
Linda grew up in Kimball and attended school there, spending two years at Bushnell High School, where she enjoyed cheerleading and school activities. After graduating in 1979, she became well known in the community through her work as a waitress at the Hickory Inn and later the Beef and Brunch, where many remember her friendly face and conversation as much as her hard work.
Linda was married to Larry Wilson in 1983 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kimball. Their life together included time in Sidney, Kimball, and several other places due to his work travels. From this marriage, her sons Brandon and Jason were born. Although the marriage later ended, Linda’s devotion to her children never wavered.
In 1989, Linda began dating Pat Parsons and in 1990 they happily welcomed their son Trevor. After years together they made a mutual decision to part ways. She later married Clay McDowall in 1996, and to this union, Jordyn and Audrey were born. Though divorcing in 2001, Linda remained deeply connected to all of her children and took great pride in each of them.
Linda lived in Dix, Nebraska, where she worked for the Kimball County Dispatch, a job that reflected her dependable nature and care for her community. She later moved to Gering in 2006. Due to declining health she moved to Belle Fourche, South Dakota, in 2008 until returning to Kimball in 2012. Kimball is where she spent her remaining years surrounded by familiar places and loved ones.
Linda was a woman of many passions and simple joys. She loved horses and found happiness riding and showing in Western Pleasure. She had an eye for collecting—antiques, rocks, tea sets, and Beanie Babies filled her world with memories and meaning. She was creative by nature, spending countless hours crafting, making tie-dye blankets, jewelry, and handmade treasures for those she loved. She had a green thumb and found peace in gardening, the outdoors, and walking barefoot whenever she could.
Animals held a special place in Linda’s heart. She adored cats, dogs, horses and truly any animal, showing them the same gentle care that she gave to people. Linda bonded with people easily as she didn't know a stranger and was compassionate to everyone.
Linda is survived by her children, Brandon, Jason, Trevor, Jordan, and Audrey; sister Marla Knigge; brother Steve Knigge; grandchildren Taylah, Aiden and Siena Wilson, Carter and Cash Parsons and Nehemiah Bond also numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her father and brother John Knigge
Linda will be remembered for her creativity, her love of animals and nature, her free spirit, and the quiet strength she carried through life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
