Dr. Linda Rae Goodall (née Disney), passed away on November 27, 2025, in Normal, Illinois, at the age of 83. Born on January 9, 1942, in Harrisburg, Illinois, she lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, fierce advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to education and love of family.
Linda graduated from Harrisburg High School before pursuing higher education with determination and passion. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University, followed by a Master's degree from Illinois State University. Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois—an achievement that reflected her lifelong dedication to learning.
Her professional career began at Metcalf Laboratory School in Normal, where she first shared her love of teaching with young minds. Linda soon transitioned to higher education, joining the faculty at Illinois State University as part of the CORE program. Later in her career, she brought her talents and compassion to the Illinois Department of Corrections, teaching at Pontiac Correctional Center. In every role she held, Linda was more than an educator—she was a mentor and advocate who believed deeply in the transformative power of knowledge.
Linda was a force—complex and compelling—a firecracker of intellect and conviction. A lifelong student herself, she never stopped seeking new ideas or challenging old ones. She was a staunch feminist who transcended the challenges of her patriarchal upbringing and became an early advocate for equal rights. Her belief in the power of connection and conversation shaped both her personal relationships and professional endeavors.
She found joy in travel and gardening—two passions that reflected her love for growth and discovery. But she found some of her greatest joy in her family. Linda married Robert Stefl in 1963 and had 2 sons, Bruce Stefl and Brad Stefl. After divorcing Robert she later married Robert Goodall. They spent much time traveling and creating a second home in Brownsville, TX where they would snowbird to escape the cold of the Midwest in winter. Linda loved her family and friends. Sharing long talks over coffee, writing letters or cards, or talking on the phone, Linda rarely missed an opportunity to connect with the people she cared about. Whether nurturing plants or people, Linda delighted in helping things flourish. Her generosity extended beyond her immediate circle; she gave freely of both time and resources to support numerous local not-for-profit organizations.
Linda is survived by her husband, Robert Goodall of Normal, Illinois; sons Brad (Sarah Nannen) Stefl of Bloomington, Illinois, and Bruce Stefl of Houston, Texas; stepson Randy (Donna) Goodall of Rochester, New York; stepdaughters Barb (Myron) Oesch of Illiopolis, Illinois; and Lynn Goodall of Brownsville, Texas, 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Joe Wheeler Disney and Justine (Humphreys) Disney; brothers Donald Disney and Bill Disney; and sister Mary Jane (Disney) Greiner.
A celebration of Linda's life will be held at a later date to honor her legacy as an educator, advocate, partner, mother, and friend.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and inspiration to those who continue the work she so passionately championed.
Linda graduated from Harrisburg High School before pursuing higher education with determination and passion. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University, followed by a Master's degree from Illinois State University. Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois—an achievement that reflected her lifelong dedication to learning.
Her professional career began at Metcalf Laboratory School in Normal, where she first shared her love of teaching with young minds. Linda soon transitioned to higher education, joining the faculty at Illinois State University as part of the CORE program. Later in her career, she brought her talents and compassion to the Illinois Department of Corrections, teaching at Pontiac Correctional Center. In every role she held, Linda was more than an educator—she was a mentor and advocate who believed deeply in the transformative power of knowledge.
Linda was a force—complex and compelling—a firecracker of intellect and conviction. A lifelong student herself, she never stopped seeking new ideas or challenging old ones. She was a staunch feminist who transcended the challenges of her patriarchal upbringing and became an early advocate for equal rights. Her belief in the power of connection and conversation shaped both her personal relationships and professional endeavors.
She found joy in travel and gardening—two passions that reflected her love for growth and discovery. But she found some of her greatest joy in her family. Linda married Robert Stefl in 1963 and had 2 sons, Bruce Stefl and Brad Stefl. After divorcing Robert she later married Robert Goodall. They spent much time traveling and creating a second home in Brownsville, TX where they would snowbird to escape the cold of the Midwest in winter. Linda loved her family and friends. Sharing long talks over coffee, writing letters or cards, or talking on the phone, Linda rarely missed an opportunity to connect with the people she cared about. Whether nurturing plants or people, Linda delighted in helping things flourish. Her generosity extended beyond her immediate circle; she gave freely of both time and resources to support numerous local not-for-profit organizations.
Linda is survived by her husband, Robert Goodall of Normal, Illinois; sons Brad (Sarah Nannen) Stefl of Bloomington, Illinois, and Bruce Stefl of Houston, Texas; stepson Randy (Donna) Goodall of Rochester, New York; stepdaughters Barb (Myron) Oesch of Illiopolis, Illinois; and Lynn Goodall of Brownsville, Texas, 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Joe Wheeler Disney and Justine (Humphreys) Disney; brothers Donald Disney and Bill Disney; and sister Mary Jane (Disney) Greiner.
A celebration of Linda's life will be held at a later date to honor her legacy as an educator, advocate, partner, mother, and friend.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and inspiration to those who continue the work she so passionately championed.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Linda Goodall, please visit our flower store.
Linda Goodall's Guestbook
Visits: 105
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors