D.L. Whitey Burklund, 71 - April 08, 2009

D.L. “Whitey” Burklund, 71, of Gothenburg died Monday, March 30, 2009.
Services were held on Friday, April 3, at the Ceresco United Methodist Church with the Rev. Chuck Rager officiating. Burial took place at Swedeburg Lutheran Cemetery at rural Wahoo.
Burklund was born Jan. 14, 1938, at Ceresco to John and Evangeline (Landstrom) Burklund.
He was a graduate of Ceresco High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and was employed as a teacher and coach at several Nebraska schools.
Burklund was also a Harvestore salesman, a cattle feeder, oil industry worker in Alaska, a rancher and a real estate investor as well.
He was united in marriage to Sharon Taft on Oct. 23, 1960.
Burklund had a passion for the Sandhills of Nebraska which was surpassed only by his love of family and friends, according to family members.
He was an avid sports fan and left an impression on all those whom he coached, said family members. His spirited character, optimism and unforgettable smile touched the lives of many.
?Burklund was preceded in death by: his father, John; a brother, Kenneth; twin daughters—Debra Ann and Lora Lynn.
?Survivors include: his wife of 48 years, Sharon; sons and daughters and their families—Bob (Kristi) Burklund of Lincoln, Mike (Jennifer) Burklund of Ceresco, Jamie and Kim Weyers of Gothenburg and Lonnie and Michelle Burklund of Waverly; his mother, Evangeline of Lincoln; sister, Judy (Jack) Dietz of Elden, MO; brothers—Ron (Pam) Burklund, Larry (Kathy) Burklund, Jerry (Barb) Burklund, Dave (Cathy) Burklund, and families of Ceresco; 11 grandchildren; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Memorials are suggested to the Ceresco United Methodist Church, Ceresco, NE 68017.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.metcalffuneralservices.com.