Linda K. Liston

Dr. Linda “Duckie” Liston
Born: July 28, 1950 – Denver, Colorado
Died: October 13, 2025 – Delnor Hospital, Geneva, Illinois

Dr. Linda “Duckie” Liston lived a life rich in love, healing, and adventure.

She spent her early years in the mountains of Denver, Colorado—landscapes that remained close to her heart and often “called her back.” At age 15, her family relocated to Park Ridge, Illinois, where Linda graduated 35th in a class of 750 from Maine Township High School South.

Linda pursued her undergraduate studies at Illinois State University and began her medical training soon after. She completed her basic medical sciences at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and her clinical studies at the Peoria School of Medicine. There, she was honored with the Gerber Scholarship for Women Medical Students and the Richardson Scholarship for international travel, which she used for her first medical service trip to Haiti.

She began her career in a group family practice in Peoria, where she also provided care to women inmates at Dwight Correctional Center.

In August 1983, Linda joined Northern Illinois University as a physician in Health Services and sports medicine, becoming a lifelong NIU Huskie and devoted fan. She cherished her work with students and athletes, serving as team physician for all sports and traveling with the Huskies to bowl games and tournaments. Linda remained a loyal season ticket holder for basketball and football, often attending games with her mother, Laurel, and close friends. She lovingly cared for Laurel in her home until Laurel’s passing at age 106.

Linda’s deep love for animals was evident throughout her life. She adored her dachshunds—Jocko, Rusty, Nikki, Barney, and Eli—her horse Gracie, and her budgie Woody.

A passionate traveler, Linda explored the world with the Northern Illinois Travel Society. In addition to her service trips to Haiti, she visited Africa, India, Dubai, Bhutan, Ireland, Germany, Canada, Alaska, and most of the United States. She always returned with souvenirs and stories to share with friends.

Linda also had a profound appreciation for the arts. She wrote poems and short stories, and regularly attended performances by the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, DeKalb Municipal Band, Kishwaukee Concert Band, Jazz in Progress, and Stage Coach Players.

She is survived by her loving partner Dave Lehman, her sister Dianne, nephew William Walter (Jettie) Letson, niece Laura Letson (Russell Callender). Great niece and nephew; Jay and Lauren, and a wide circle of devoted friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Ron Letson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are directed to the following: Mail check to NIU Athletics who will deposit your gift into the Laurel and Dr. Linda Liston Expendable Fund in Athletics Trainer Education. Make check out to the NIU Foundation and write “Laurel and Dr. Linda Liston Athletics Trainer Fund” in the memo line and mail to the following address:

NIU Athletics

Attn: Dom Parisi

P.O. Box 906

DeKalb, IL 60115

Visitation will be held at Finch Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Service will take place at DeKalb Christian Church, 1107 South 1st Street, on Saturday, November 1, at 10:30 a.m.  Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery immediately following the service.

Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.