Linda Kay (Warnke) Buethe passed away February 3, 2026 in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was born to Clarence “Corkie” and Nellie (Wade) Warnke on September 29, 1942 in Pawnee City, Nebraska. She was baptized May 17, 1953 at the First Baptist Church in Pawnee City by Rev. Larson. Linda attended school in Pawnee City and was very active in 4-H, instrumental and vocal music groups and the Future Homemakers of America, serving as president her senior year. She was also co-editor of her class yearbook.

When not in school, she helped at her parents’ store, Warnke’s One Stop and delivered the Omaha World Herald every morning on her bicycle for over 10 years. Following graduation, Linda attended Iowa State for 1 year and then transferred to UNL to root for the Huskers. She graduated from UNL in 1964 and accepted a Home Economics teaching position in Sidney, NE. In 1966. UNL offered Linda a graduate assistant position, so she returned to the university and earned her MS degree in Adult Education in 1967. She then accepted a teaching position at North High School in Bakersfield, CA. After 1 year, Linda returned to teach at Milford, NE. During that time she also supervised student teachers for UNL.

In June, 1969, Linda accepted a Cooperative Extension Educator position in Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee and Richardson counties. In 1976, the position changed to Johnson, and Nemaha counties and several years later Pawnee county was added to her responsibilities.

On July 25, 1969, Linda married Ron Buethe at the First Baptist Church in Pawnee City, Nebraska. They moved to their home south of Tecumseh where they lived for 51 years. They had three children, Brad born in 1974, Lori in 1979 and Jeff in 1980. Ron passed away December 8, 2020. After their marriage, Linda was confirmed August 11, 1970 by Rev. Harold Stelzer at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church where she maintained her membership until her death.

Linda thoroughly enjoyed her Extension career. She was known for developing many creative, educational programs for both the Adult Home Extension club members and the 4-H youth. She received county, state and national awards for her efforts. The Citizenship 4-H Washington Focus experience was a special group adventure for over 350 youth from southeast Nebraska during 10 different trips. Linda also trained a number of future Extension Educators for careers in Nebraska.

Following Linda’s retirement from UNL Extension in June, 1979, she taught English as second language for SEC in Tecumseh. Linda enjoyed working with students from Laos, Mexico, Guatemala and Russia. Traveling was one of Linda’s favorite activities. Both family and friends were her travel companions as she visited SE Asia, Europe, the U.K., Mexico, Canada and the U.S. Linda dearly loved UNL sports, attending games both home and away. She purchased UNL football tickets for over 55 years.

Left to mourn her passing are her children, Brad and wife Stephanie, Lori, and Jeff and special friend Amanda Davis, grandson Jax, Keaton Kleespies and wife Alena, Kole Kleespies, Kylie Kleespies and fiance’ Lucas and Gavin List, sisters Marilyn Karas and Betty Hodson and husband Bob, sister-in-law Sharon Warnke, and many nieces and nephews.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws Erhardt and Leora, husband Ron, brother Gary Warnke, brothers-in-law Robert Karas and Willis Buethe, sister-in-law Joyce Buethe and daughter-inlaw Denise Buethe.

Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Elk Creek, Nebraska with Rev. Tim Brisbois officiating. Organist, Loretta Kerchal accompanied congregational hymns, “Amazing Grace”, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and “How Great Thou Art.” Honorary pallbearers were Brian Buethe, Danny Buethe, Rodney Buethe, Bob Hodson, Bob Karas, Jr., Rick Karas, Donnie Fisher and Brian Fralin.

Inurnment was in the St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska. Memorials may go to the family’s choice. Services were entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.