Linda Marie Buehlmann

Linda Marie Axland Buehlmann, 80, of Austin, Texas, passed away at home on June 9, 2025. Linda was an adored and beloved mother and grandmother and a cherished friend to so many. She will be missed beyond what our words can express.

Linda was born in Harlan, Iowa, on September 21, 1944, to Theodore and Thelma Axland, and she grew up on their 160-acre farm in rural Shelby County, Iowa. Her grandmother Ingeborg, who had immigrated to the United States from Norway, lived with the family and was a special part of Linda’s early years. Maintaining connection to her Norwegian ancestry and passing down its traditions and food (especially lefse) was a particular point of lifelong pride. As a teenager, Linda played the organ in church and the clarinet in band, participated in the Luther League, French Club, and just about any other activity available to a young girl going to school in a small Iowa town in the 1950s.

In 1965, Linda received her degree from the Immanuel School of Nursing in Omaha, Nebraska and embarked upon a 30-year career in nursing and healthcare administration. With her first husband, Stu Erickson, she soon welcomed to the world daughters Susan and Ann. She was a devoted mother who supported her daughters in everything they did, attending every school event and driving cross-country many times to deliver them to college, graduate school, and law school. She was also a faithful sister and niece, as her lifelong bonds with her sister Clarice and her Aunt Gertie can attest. In 1995, Linda married the love of her life, David Buehlmann. They enjoyed nine years together, filled with world-wide travel, art, cinema, and mutual loving support. A few years after David’s passing, Linda moved from Omaha to Austin, Texas, to live near her daughters and their growing families. She dove head-first into life in Austin, joining the Austin Newcomers Club and First Unitarian Universalist Church, volunteering at numerous organizations such as Drive-a-Senior, taking trips with the Friendship Force, hosting out of town musicians for Conspirare, making many new friends, and spending countless hours with her four grandchildren. She was delighted to live for many years in a 1940s’ “Grandma’s cottage” in central Austin, where she nurtured her beautiful gardens, and friends and family felt right at home.

Three years ago, Linda moved into a sunny apartment in a vibrant independent living community. She quickly made new friends, took advantage of group outings to cultural events, and enjoyed the simpler, more carefree life she deserved. Linda loved gardening, classical music, art exhibits, needlework, and absolutely any family gathering. She was a life-long learner and took classes on art history, spirituality and many other topics that piqued her interest. Her relationships with her grandchildren were the most important of the last chapter of her life, and she had special bonds with each one of them. Linda brought warmth, kindness, and maybe a piece of her famous “sweet cake" wherever she went. She was the most giving, generous, and selfless person we know and her life lessons will remain with us and encourage us to grow in her example.

She leaves behind to mourn her earthly presence her daughters Susan Erickson and Ann Erickson; son-in-law Juan Shepperd; granddaughters Rose and Anna Marin; grandsons José and Mateo Shepperd; sister-in-law Nancy Axland; nieces Marsha Larson and Julie Snyder; nephews Richard Andersen and Dave Axland, and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband David Buehlmann, her sister, Clarice Andersen, her brother, Ted Axland, brother-in-law, Don Andersen, and niece, Carolyn Axland Finegan.

Memorial donations may be made to Conspirare (https://www.conspirare.org) or to the Hospice House in Omaha, NE (https://hospicehouseomaha.org). A celebration of Linda’s remarkable life will be held at a later date.