Marie Burnita Den Hartog

Marie Burnita Den Hartog, widow of Robert, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026 in Lincoln, NE. Born August 10, 1929, in Richland, IA. Burnita was a retired primary teacher and a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Chapter EE P.E.O., American Association of University Women, Deborah Avery Chapter D.A.R., Phi Delta Gamma, Lincoln Area Retired Teachers, and Lincoln Women's Chamber of Commerce. She served over 3,000 hours as a volunteer at Bryan Hospital, won an Outstanding Educator Award, and threw the first-ever pitch at the dedication of the Den Hartog Athletic Fields.

Busy with basketball, class vice presidency, and the family farm, Burnita graduated from Richland (Iowa) High School in 1947. She earned a teaching degree from Iowa State Teachers College and began teaching at age 19. While teaching in Eddyville, IA she met Robert ‘Bob’ Den Hartog, and they married on June 4, 1950.

Burnita and Robert welcomed daughter Bobi Kai in 1961 and son Kevin Scott in 1965. They moved in 1966 to the home on Rosewood Drive in Lincoln, NE, that Burnita occupied until 2020.

For many years, Burnita taught in the Lincoln Public Schools, mostly first grade at Randolph Elementary. She enriched the lives of many students and made many lifelong friends with her hard work and great sense of humor.

In January 1985, Burnita suddenly lost the love of her life, her beloved husband Robert. She remained steadfast in her love for him and terribly missed his humor, strength, and comfort. Although she yearned to be reunited, she waited over 41 years to join him; her family is grateful for those many years with her.

In 1992, Burnita retired from teaching but stayed just as busy. She became a Realtor, volunteered at the Lied Center and Bryan Memorial Hospital, remained involved in church and civic activities, attended many Cornhusker games, played lots of bridge, and enjoyed traveling with family and friends.

Burnita became a grandmother in October 2000 and filled the role wonderfully for her four amazing granddaughters she deeply loved.

Burnita enriched the lives of many – especially her family – by leading through example and providing many opportunities. She was known by many as dedicated, curious, and sometimes mischievous. Her family will always treasure the many grand adventures they shared with her.

When she turned 90, Burnita’s family gathered in Southern California to celebrate the milestone with her identical twin, Oma Annita McKown. Later that year, she hosted a final Christmas open house on Rosewood Drive, welcoming many friends who stopped by to celebrate with her.

In January 2020, Burnita moved to Eastmont, where she continued forming friendships and volunteering whenever she was able. Just as the COVID pandemic was beginning, her family started weekly video calls — a tradition they were grateful to continue through January 2026. A few years after her move, it became clear that she was experiencing dementia, and a gradual journey followed. In time, she moved to Eastmont’s LifeBrook unit, where she received exceptional care and, in return, touched many hearts within the Eastmont and HoriSun Hospice communities. The family is so grateful for their loving care.

Burnita passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026, with Bobi and Kevin by her side.

She is survived by daughter, Bobi Kai Den Hartog and Bobi’s special friend Mitch Chapman, of Santa Fe, NM; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Dee Den Hartog, Minnetonka, MN; granddaughters, Marie Aigerim, Lily, Holly, and Lucy Den Hartog; sister and husband, Janice and Donald Underwood, Coralville, IA; brother-in-law and wife, Lester and Kathy Den Hartog, Ottumwa, IA; sister-in-law Iris Bergquist, Bettendorf, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by husband, Robert; twin sister, Annita McKown; brother and sister-in-law, Billy and Georgette Nordyke; parents, Homer and Matilda Nordyke; brothers-in-law, Henry Den Hartog, Donald McKim, and John Bergquist; and sister-in-law, Darlene Den Hartog.

Burnita’s memorial service will take place at Christ United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 7, at 10:00 am, followed by a luncheon at the church and interment at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery at 1 pm. Visitation will take place on Friday, March 6, 6-8 pm, at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Christ United Methodist Church, or a personal choice.