Elsie Louise Burklund

Born 6/7/1942 – Died 3/5/2026 A Life Well Lived

Born in Indio California, moved to Nebraska the following year when parents bought a farm in Clay County. Met Fred while in High School through a friend. Fred and Elsie dated in H.S. and then maintained a long-distance relationship when Fred graduated and joined the army. They corresponded by mail and Fred proposed when Elsie graduated from Fairfield high school in 1959 at age 16. They were married in August 1959 - Elsie was 17 and Fred was 19. They moved to Lincoln, where she started her career as a secretary. Eventually they started a new branch of Walker Tire in 1963 and moved to Omaha. They lived in a small apartment attached to a gas station garage on 23rd and Railroad Ave where the business started. Elsie kept the books and answered the phones while Fred sold and changed the tires.

The business grew through their hard work and dedication and Elsie re-focused her attention to raising 4 kids and a whole range of volunteer work. She was voted Mrs. Nebraska Motor Carriers in 1986. She enjoyed decorating, cooking(amazing cinnamon rolls), fishing, golfing(3 holes in one), and motorhoming. They enjoyed much travel and were avid Nebraska Cornhusker fans. Elsie was an amazing hostess for all types of events and family functions. She made lots of close friends through her Bible studies, book clubs, mahjong groups, golf leagues, social groups, including groups in both Nebraska and Arizona where she wintered. She had an amazing way of making everyone feel welcome and part of the family. She had a very strong faith in Jesus Christ and lived out her faith in work through the church, Lutheran Service Corps, Dana College Board, Camp Carol Joy Holling, and in many other ways. Elsie was always willing to step up and serve living out a great life of Christian service. She will be missed!

Preceded in death by Parents Norris and Hilma Gartner, sister Darlene(2020), Husband Fred Burklund(2020), Son Dale Burklund(2020).

Survived by: Sisters Glenda Hinrichs(Lyle d.2024), Aldena Woody(Gary), Brother Billy Gartner(Leveaux),

Children:

Tina and Rick Roberts

Lacinda (Cindy) & Vencen Ackerson(Kobe, Jazper).

Christine Burklund(Dale d.2020) - Jessica & Tim Ivanchuk (Anthony), Kyle & Brianna (Grayson & Kenzie), Marissa & Dustin Hagemann (Gabriel & Ethan), Anna, Kate & Adam Buske.

Brad & Pam - Ben & Kirsten(Lucas, Lyla, Lydia), Zach & Julie(Theo, Ivy, Zoe, Thomas), Jake & Jacque(Bradley, Mila), Breanna.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Lutheran Church of the Master or Camp Carol Joy Holling.

Visitation will be held at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5701 Center St, Omaha, Nebraska 68106, on March 18, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Lutheran Church of the Master, 2617 S 114th St, Omaha, Nebraska 68144, on March 19, 2026, at 11:00 am.

Burial will be at Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park in Omaha, Nebraska.