Linda Bedwell

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Bedwell, Linda Buthman Linda Lee Buthman Bedwell died on Monday, July 21st, 2014 after a courageous battle with a Parkinson's related disease that robbed her of everything but her spirit. She was 79. A Nebraska native and a longtime resident of Omaha, Nebraska, Linda and her husband, Bill, moved to the Minneapolis area in 2011 to be near three of their four children. She died in her home there, with Bill holding her hand and her family at her side. Linda radiated passion - her zeal for life was contagious. She completely dedicated herself to each task at hand, from her careers in vol-unteerism, public relations, women's fashion and retail to her commitments as a loving wife, mother and friend. Her family was every-thing to her. She could captivate a room with her stories and she adored a healthy debate. It is a sad irony that her disease took away her ability to communicate. Linda was born in Falls City, Ne-braska to William A. (Boots) Buthman and Ruth Simanton Buthman on January 25, 1935. An only child, she and her parents spent each summer in Crosslake, Minnesota and that area was a large part of the family's lives for several generations. When her father, Boots, died in 1996, the family established Grandpa's Run For The Walleye, an annual 5k race that raises funds to support the Walleye population on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. The race held its 18th event on July 5th this year. Linda graduated from The University of Nebraska with honors in 1937. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, editor of the 1957 "Cornhusker" Yearbook and member of the Mortar Board. She married Bill, her high school sweetheart, on June 9th, 1957. After settling in Omaha, Linda con-tributed significantly to the City through her extensive volunteer efforts, which included serving as President of The Junior League of Omaha; First Chairman of the Omaha International Tennis Tournament and President of the Girls Club of Omaha. In 1979, she was the Public Relations Director who helped re-elect the Douglas County Commissioner. From 1980-1987 she was a buyer and sales representative for Topp's of Omaha, a woman's fine clothing store. She retired in 1999. In addition to Bill, Linda is survived by her four children, their spouses and her seven grandchildren: Laurie Bedwell Sawatzky (Randy Sawatzky); Marci Bedwell Roesler (Tim Roesler); Todd Bedwell (Chris); and Jeff Bedwell (Nancy); Noah Sawatzky; Carolina Roesler; Madeline Roesler; Sam Tonia; Logan Tonia; Jeffrey Bedwell Jr; and Daniel Bedwell. She also leaves behind many dear friends who were part of her and Bill's lives for as much as 60 years. In one of Linda's last conversations with her oldest granddaughter, she offered advice that will remain with us always: "Where ever you are, make the most of it." We're certain she's in heaven doing just that. The family would like to thank Struthers Parkinson's Center, which brought Linda so much joy in her last two years. Thanks also to Park Nicollet Hospice for their com-forting guidance. Above all, we want to thank the remarkable caregivers who watched over Linda as her disease took hold of her. The compassion they showed is beyond measure. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 28th at Mount Olivet West campus, 7150 Rolling Acres Road, Victoria, MN and at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2nd at All Saints Episcopal Church, 93rd & Blondo Street, Omaha, Nebraska. Visitation 1 hour prior to both services. GILLBROTHERS.com MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612 861 6088

Published on July 27, 2014