Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
In Loving Memory
Linda Katherine Thorson-Conley
November 25, 1947 – June 2, 2026
Linda Katherine Thorson-Conley, 78, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away on June 2, 2026, under the loving care of UnityPoint Hospice.
She was born on November 25, 1947, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Leonard Schneider and Katherine Raine. A devoted member of the community she called home her entire life, Linda graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1966.
Linda married her high school sweetheart, and together they raised two children, Dr. Angela (Thorson) Fitch of Boston, Massachusetts, and Travis Thorson of Urbana, Iowa. Following the end of her first marriage, she attended Hawkeye Tech, where she met her dear lifelong friend Amy (Van Dorn) Hinse. The two shared countless travel adventures over the years – and it was Amy who was at her side the night Linda met the love of her life, Richard Conley. Linda and Richard married, and he brought two more children into her heart: Eric Conley of Waterloo and Misty (Thomas) Hancock of Arkansas.
Linda built a career spanning more than 30 years in banking and insurance, retiring from the Sinnott Agency.
Married for over 40 years, Linda and Richard shared a deep love of their Irish heritage and a spirit of adventure that took them metal detecting across Iowa’s state parks, lakes, and cornfields. Linda was a proud member of the Black Hawk Button Club, where she delighted in collecting buttons and creating button crafts to give to others. Above all, she treasured the natural world – especially the monarch butterflies she photographed in the extensive flower garden she lovingly curated at her home on Reed Street, the very house where she had grown up.
The next time you see a monarch butterfly, remember Linda – and the laughter, joy, and creativity she brought to this world.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Katherine, her brother, Terry Schneider and her niece Kimberly (Schneider) Gibson.
She is survived by her husband, Richard Conley; her children, Angela (Edward Fitch), Travis (Becky Howland), Eric, and Misty (Thomas Hancock); her nephews, Chuck Tomson of Cedar Falls, Dan Tomson of Indianapolis, and Randy Schneider of Ankeny; and her three beloved grandchildren, Edward Philip Fitch, Jackson Thorson, and Samuel Thorson.
A graveside service and burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Fairview Cemetery in Waterloo, Iowa. A celebration of life will follow from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday June 7 at the Bridges Senior Living Community Room, 214 Washington Street, Waterloo, Iowa.
Please join us in celebrating the life of this wonderful friend, mother, aunt, and gift to this world and the next. Donations can be made to UnityPoint Hospice or The Liver Foundation (www.liverfoundation.org).
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rains fall soft upon your fields,
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Celebration of Life
June 7, 2026
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Bridges Senior Living
214 Washington St., Waterloo, IA
Memorial Service
June 7, 2026
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Fairview Cemetery-Waterloo
611 Fairview Ave., Waterloo, IA
My heart breaks at this news. Linda was one of my dearest friends. Always a smile, purple everything, butterflies, and some hilarious Coke moments at the office. She knew how to make you feel special. Thank you for all the good times. Love you forever, friend.
Linda was an inspiration and talented creator and crafter with an eye for color when she made button items to share with others. She was always welcoming and willing to collaborate, have fun, and support all who were button collectors or admirers. Blackhawk Button Club is a great group, and Linda helped make it one of the best! Much sympathy and prayers to all family and friends, Marie Kelch, Saint John, WA and Blackhawk Button Club member.
Linda was my best friend .We had many wonderful times together,metal detecting,button club and doing flea markets.We had a lot of laughs together.Love you girl.you will be missed,bless her family and keep her in our memories.
Condolences to the family. Linda was an East High class of 66 friend.
Dearest Ang
Sending all my prayers and love to you and your family.
So enjoyed being with Linda and Richard at St Luke’s Monday night Bible study for several years. Such a wonderful couple.
I went to school with Linda from eighth grade on. She was such a sweet person. Always enjoyed seeing her on my return trips to Waterloo. She was always full of laughter. Condolences to her family.
Our condolences. Linda was a huge piece of my wonderful childhood living on the Eastside of Waterloo. Her chocolate crinkle cookies and Anderson Erickson cold milk that was delivered daily to her home, are my best memories as a 5 year old. My parents loved Linda like a daughter.
The Duane Cummings Family
Becky Cummings Carrier
So sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. I always enjoyed hearing about her many adventures and interests and loved her laughter. May you find comfort in your memories.
I was fortunate to have worked with Linda at Sinnott Agency. She made me feel comfortable and taught me how to strike up a conversation with anyone. Always concerned how others were doing and willing to listen. Such a beautiful soul. Always enjoyed her coming back to the office to say hello. We will miss her!
Had the pleasure of working with Linda for several years. She always brightened up the office. If you were feeling down, or needed someone to bring a smile to your face – you just needed to go up to Linda’s desk! Condolences to the family – you’re in our thoughts and prayers!