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Linda Lou Dlugosch Connell, 77, of Omaha, Neb., and Storm Lake, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, at her home in Omaha, surrounded by her husband, Dan, and her family.
Funeral Mass will take place Monday, Dec. 15, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, Dec. 14, from 3-7 p.m. with Prayer Vigil at 6:30 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Memorials may be directed to the Carmelite Nuns in Sioux City.
Linda was born on July 2, 1948, in Storm Lake to Don and Nadine “Dee Dee” Dlugosch. She attended St. Mary’s School and graduated in 1966. During her school years she embraced every opportunity to participate — whether in school plays, cheerleading or other activities — and spent countless summers on Storm Lake. Many friends and family members learned to water ski with Linda’s patient guidance and encouragement.
Following graduation, Linda attended the University of San Diego for two years before completing her education at AIB Business School in Des Moines, earning a degree in stenography. She went on to build a successful career as a freelance court reporter, working in Iowa, Nebraska and throughout the Midwest.
Linda was united in marriage to Dan Connell in 1983, and together they created a beautiful life on the lake with their family. In 1990, they moved to Omaha calling both Storm Lake and Omaha home.
Linda’s greatest joy was being a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She took tremendous pride in her home and was known for hosting large gatherings marked by lovely décor and fabulous tablescapes. The Holidays were her favorite time of year, and the family always looked forward to Linda’s cooking.
Nothing delighted her more than attending her grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews events — birthdays, recitals, school activities and celebrations of every kind. She supported her family in every way she could, near or far. One of the brightest parts of her day was FaceTiming with her youngest granddaughter, Georgia, in California.
Linda had a remarkable eye for detail and organization and an elegant sense of style — you never had to wonder if she would be dressed for the occasion. She had a radiant smile and a generous heart — always lifting the spirits of those around her. Deeply committed to giving back, Linda taught by example the importance of gratitude and service. She was an active member of the Omaha Law League, Christ Child Society, Creighton University, Bethlehem House and she regularly supported Sacred Heart School. She also volunteered her time giving courthouse tours to schoolchildren. Her compassion extended to animals as well — especially the dogs she cherished throughout her life.
Linda loved to travel and treasured the memories she made exploring the world with family and friends. Favorite destinations included Ireland, Italy, France, the Greek Islands, and a memorable cruise along the St. Lawrence Seaway and the East Coast of the United States.
Linda’s Catholic faith was an anchor throughout her life. She received all of her sacraments at St. Mary’s in Storm Lake and attended Mass regularly until her cancer diagnosis in 2023. She faced her illness with courage and grace, and she was deeply grateful to witness many special family milestones during this time — most notably the birth and first birthday of her granddaughter Georgia, and the weddings of her eldest grandchildren, Katherine and Alex, this past summer. These joyful moments will be forever cherished.
Linda taught us the meaning of family, faith and unconditional love. Together with Dan, she created a legacy built on kindness, generosity and grace. Her open heart and deep faith in God are exemplary of her character. Her gentle spirit will live on in our hearts. We will always love and miss you, Mimi, and will keep your memory alive every day in our hearts and the stories we tell.
Linda is survived by her beloved husband, Dan, and her family: daughter Caroline Connell Brown and son-in-law Dana; step-daughters, Molly Connell Crosby and son-in-law Doug and Amy Connell Hilmes and son-in-law Steve; step-son Daniel Connell and daughter-in-law Alicia; grandchildren: Katherine Crosby Hale and husband Eric; Caroline Crosby; Alex Hilmes and wife Bridget; Andrew Hilmes; Christopher Connell; Madison Moore; Lauren Gracey; Skylar Gracey; and Georgia Connell Brown.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Nadine Dlugosch; her father- and mother-in-law, Clarence and Mary Connell; and sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Ernie Bosley.
She is also survived by sisters, Mary Ellen Wilhelmi and brother-in-law Jack; Jane McMahon Olsen and brother-in-law Larry; and sister-in-law Dorothy Hammer; nieces: Katie Hoffart and husband John; Allison McMahon; Meghan Babcock and husband Matt; Mary Kay Larson and husband Ed; Teresa Siewert and husband Dr. Rick; nephews: Don Shimmin and wife Kelly; Nate Wilhelmi and wife Olga; Ken Bosley and wife Johanna; Mike Bosley; Tom Bosley and wife Jodi; Jack Hammer and wife Ellen; and Michael Hammer and wife Bonnie; along with numerous cousins, beloved great-nieces and nephews, and many dear friends across the country.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who supported Linda over the past several years — her daughter-in-law, Alicia Connell, and family friend, Claudia Williams. Their steady presence, kindness and devotion made it possible for Linda to remain in the comfort of her home. The family also offers special thanks to her oncologist Dr. Joel Michalski and his staff at Nebraska Cancer Specialists and more importantly the team from St. Croix Hospice, whose exceptional care and compassionate guidance brought comfort and peace to Linda and those who loved her.
