Linda Jane Wood, 67, was born on June 29, 1957 in Winona, Minnesota to Janis and Thomas Wood and died October 12, 2024 in Winona, Minnesota at home.
She attended Central Elementary School, Winona Junior High, and graduated Winona Senior High School.
She moved to Decatur, Illinois in 1975 when the family relocated there, and attended Richland Community College eventually completing operating room technician training. She had employment as a surgery tech at Winona Memorial and at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
While living in Minneapolis she met and married Felix Nietschei of Thunder Bay, Ontario where she lived for several years. They divorced and she came back to Winona where she lived until her death. She had several jobs in Winona during her life, the latest at Winona State University cafeteria until she retired.
Linda was preceded in death by her father, a brother Harlan, and her grandparents, aunt and uncles. She is survived by her mother Janis Wood of Decatur, IL; sisters Judy Wood (Bozeman, MT), Sally Wood (Decatur, IL), Nancy Wood (Winona, MN); and brothers Bill Wood (Decatur, IL), and George (Gina) Wood and niece Sophia Wood of Lexington, IL; an aunt and several cousins.
Linda loved Winona and walking by the river. She loved to read, go for nature walks, listening to MPR, her morning newspapers and crossword puzzles. She enjoyed visiting Holmen, WI and day trips and traveling with friends. Linda was creative, adventurous and intelligent, and had a kind and generous spirit. This time of year, the Fall, was her favorite season.
She was much loved by her family and her good and lifelong friend Cathleen Cieminski Faruque of Winona. She will be greatly missed.
Linda will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona.
Donations suggestions are Catholic Charities, women’s shelters, and Minnesota Public Radio.
Sorry to hear Linda passed. We had lots of fun times in Jr High and High School. My thoughts are with her friends and family.
Sad to see Linda Wood gone too soon. I have fond memories of touring Malaysia with Linda and other Winona State staff and companions in the 1990s, thanks to an invitation from Malaysian students who had attended Winona State University. Wonderful traveling companion.
First of all I am so sorry for your loss to both family and friends. I first met Linda as a lab partner in tenth grade at WSH. I was new to Winona & although Linda was a bit shy she was very kind & her humor was infectious! We hit it off right away & became good friends. We had a lot in common throughout our HS years including the friendship of Cathleen C.Faruque. After HS Linda & I lost track of eachother. It wasn’t until my return to Winona in 2013 that we connected again through Cathleen Faruque. Linda was such a blessing to me. It brings much sadness & shock to hear of her passing. For myself & many others Linda will be remembered as a kind, sharing, free spirited person with a giving heart & soul. It is with much sadness in my heart I say goodbye to you Linda knowing you will be greatly missed. May you RIP dear friend.
My prayers will be with her family. Amen.