Linda Podhajsky

Linda Lyon Podhajsky, 81, of Waverly, Iowa, passed away on February 18, 2026, in Waverly.

Linda Lee Lyon was born on January 31, 1945, the daughter of Robert Russell and Helen Virginia (McElroy) Lyon in Ottumwa, Iowa. She grew up on a farm north of Toledo, Iowa and was involved with 4H and many school activities. Linda graduated from Tama-Toledo High School in 1963. She continued her education at Iowa State University where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and studied History, graduating in 1967. On April 1, 1967, she was united in marriage to Mark Joseph Podhajsky in Traer, Iowa. She later obtained her master’s degree in Special Education at the UNI. Linda taught at several school districts before starting her tenure with Waverly-Shell Rock in 1985, until retirement in 2009.

Linda’s passions were music, education and flowers. She loved singing with her Sweet Adelines chorus and in barbershop quartets and playing in the New Horizon’s Band. She was active in the church and bell choirs at Trinity United Methodist Church. Her passion for lifelong learning led to involvement with DKG sorority, the Cedar River Readers and serving on the Waverly Library Board for 40 years. When she was at home, she was often found weeding and trimming flowers while barefoot or curled up with a book. Linda never met a dog she didn’t love, and her favorites were always her miniature schnauzers.

Survivors include her husband, Mark Podhajsky, of Waverly; son Matt (Jennifer) Podhajsky, of Knoxville, Tennessee; daughter, Tricia Podhajsky (Kelly Rasmussen), of Waverly; three grandchildren: Isaac VanArkel, Jacob Podhajsky and Allie Podhajsky; sister, Virginia Koon of Michigan and two brothers, Robert (Kathy) Lyon, of Ames, Iowa and Larry Lyon of Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents and a niece, Courtney Lyon Larson.

There will be a Memorial Service later in the Spring with a private family burial to follow. Memorials may be directed to the family for an education scholarship and online condolences left at www.kaisercorson.com.

Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home of Waverly is assisting the Podhajsky family with arrangements. 319-352-1187