Linda Head, 73

Linda Head, MD, FACR, 73, Papillion, Neb., passed away on April 3, 2025, after almost six years of battling lung cancer even though she never smoked a day in her life. With her strong character, many didn’t know she was going through this until she needed regular oxygen. She pushed and challenged the statistics right to the end.
Linda was born on March 1, 1952 in St Paul, Minn., to Walter and Jerrie Kujawa. Being a military kid, she lived in various places while growing up before landing permanently in Nebraska where she graduated from Bellevue High School in 1970.
Linda was a trailblazer for women in the medical field at the time when she pursued a medical career. After graduating from Bellevue High School as Valedictorian she went to Creighton University. After only two short years she was admitted into the University of Nebraska Medical School’s intensive three-year program. She was so driven and successful in all of her studies that after only five years since graduating high school she was entering her internship year, all of this during a time when there were few women doctors in Nebraska. Around 1994, she became an FACR (Fellow of the American College of Radiology). “Becoming an ACR Fellow recognizes your achievements beyond the scope of employment. Accomplishments above your responsibilities in the workplace in the field of Radiology are celebrated by your colleagues.” These qualifications are contributions to organized medicine, radiology associations, teaching, mentoring, etc. She was trained in cross sectional imaging and specialized in breast cancer.
She went on to work as a partner with NIRC that covered places like Physicians Clinic, Midlands Hospital, Shenandoah, Glenwood, Atlantic, and her cherished Red Oak Hospital. Known for her love of medicine and willingness to mentor/teach others she made a lasting impact on all who knew her.
In her personal life, family was the joy of Linda’s life and she looked forward to family events and dinner interactions. Her hobbies included skiing, boating, windsurfing, scuba diving, bicycling, dancing, target practice, ATVing, horses, farming, sailing, and motor boating. She was also an active member of MANY organizations and groups to include Alpha at St. Columbkille, Altrusa Club, Lake Manawa Sailing Club, Silver Sneakers at the Landing, Book Clubs, charity organizations, and foundations. As an avid nature lover, she enjoyed walking at Fontenelle Forest, attending regular birding and butterfly classes at For the Wild Birds, and supported Raptor Recovery, Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, and Nebraska Monarchs. One of her joys was when the Monarch Migration briefly landed at her farm in Red Oak. There were millions! Her other great joy was being on her farm in Red Oak watching wildlife in the treed area and even brought the state its first Beaver Deceiver to protect the land from flooding AND allow the beavers to stay.
Linda is survived by daughter, Julie DiGiacomo (Kelly), and her beloved grandchildren, Alexa and Andrew DiGiacomo, Jon Kathol and Jody Keisner (Lily and Amelia), Jane and Troy Brannen (Baylor and Noelle), and Ted Kathol; siblings, Nancy Hanson (Randy), Walter Kujawa, Liz Dahl M.D. (Kelly) and many wonderful nieces, grand nieces, grand nephews, and Godchildren Michael and David Simmons. She is preceded in death by the love of her life, Bill (Billiam) Kathol and parents, Walter and Jerrie Kujawa.
An informal Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, April 13, 2025,  at Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, 7805 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE 68124. All are welcome to come and honor Linda’s memory but there will be no formal service or viewing. Visit with friends, share memories, and favorite quotes.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Raptor Recovery, Nebraska Monarchs, and Nebraska Arthritis Foundation, all of which were close to Linda’s heart.
Linda’s motto in life: Knowledge is power.  He/she with the most knowledge wins.  Life is good.