Linda Kleist

Linda Louise Thelander Kleist age 80 of Ovid, CO, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at Sedgwick County Health Center.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at the Oshkosh City Cemetery.

Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations in Oshkosh is serving the Kleist family.

Family and friends can leave condolences at www.bondegardfunerals.com.

She was born in Lewellen, NE in 1945 to LeMoyn and Mettie Thelander. Linda attended K-8th grade in a one room schoolhouse near the farm. She attended Oshkosh High School in her freshman year, then graduated from Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado in 1963.

On July 21,1963 Ron and Linda began their journey and were married August 24,1967. To this union there were two children born, Kris in 1969 and Jodie in 1972. Linda had always taken pride in the fact that Kris was one of the last children born in the old Oshkosh Hospital. Linda also had a love for plants however they didn’t always share the same love.

Living in Oshkosh and Ogallala for a short time, the family move to Ovid, Colorado in 1977.

Over the years Linda held several jobs including waitressing at “The Cage” and selling AVON. Purchasing the gas station “Silver Eagle” in 1983. The gas station along with Ron and Linda became a beacon for many in the community. From there Linda obtained her CNA license (1991) for Home Health and Nursing Home care. Linda moved on to a receptionist position for Sedgwick County Health Services where she retired on March 18, 2016, after 25 years of service.

Linda enjoyed many years of bowling. The bowling teams in Julesburg became her Family. She was a devoted Seventh Day Adventist and played the piano at the church in Julesburg. She was also an avid crocheter and knitter in her spare time.

Survivors Include: Son: Kris (Bridgett) Kleist; Daughter: Jodie Leonhardt; Brother: Wayne (Kathy) Thelander; Brother In-law: Richard (Dianne) Kleist; Grandchildren: Staci (Adrian) Bencomo, Trent Leonhardt, Shania (Jacob) Ashmore, Kimberly Kleist; Great Grandchildren: Payton Buchholz; Jane and Tyrone Ashmore; AJ and Bodie Bencomo; Special Friends: Jon Tatum; Along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and many close special friends in the community.

Proceeded in Death: Parents: LeMoyn and Mettie Thelander; Husband: Ron Kleist; In-Laws: Neal and Ida Kleist; Granddaughter: Ida Grace Kleist; Grandson: Tyrone Bozzetto; Special Friends: Linda’s sister from another Mother Gloria Kinnison and Frank Kleist.