Arthur E. “George” Buhlke of Burwell, Nebraska passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska, at the age of 73.
Born on June 7, 1953, in Ainsworth, Nebraska, George was the son of Duane and Norma (Spencer) Buhlke. He spent his childhood in the Bassett-Rose area, where he developed a love for the outdoors; trapping, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding while assisting with ranch duties.
While George was not his real name, he came by it naturally because he could be found at a lake near his home called “George Lake”. Thus the name “George”.
George began his education in a country school at Rose before moving to Burwell in 1968, where he attended Burwell High School. Although he did not complete high school, he took pride in earning his GED.
In his early years, George worked for several ranchers; putting up hay, driving cattle, branding and any task related to the outdoors, farming and ranching.
Throughout his life, George was a “jack of all trades”, he drilled wells for Les Stahlecker, worked on cable plowing with Stake Construction, performed cement and construction work for J.D. Tetschner, and delivered feed.
George’s true passion was operating heavy equipment. For 46 years, he worked for the Garfield County Road Department, building and maintaining roads. George served the community for many years as a dedicated firefighter and ambulance driver for the Burwell Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.
On July 20, 1974, George married Linda “Punk” Combs in Burwell, Nebraska. Together, they raised two sons, Justin and Brandon. Family meant everything to George, and he enjoyed attending his sons’ sports games and spending time golfing, fishing, and deer hunting with them. He took great joy in attending his grandchildren’s school and sports events as well.
George is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Punk Buhlke of Burwell; two sons and daughters-in-law, Justin and Elizabeth Buhlke of North Platte and Brandon and Laurie Buhlke of Cairo; grandchildren, Greyson Buhlke of North Platte and Braelyn Buhlke of Cairo and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Margaret Elaine Dimmitt; father-in-law, Everett Combs and mother-in-law, Ilene Combs.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Calamus Trinity Methodist Church in Burwell, Nebraska. Pastor Alan Petersen will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Cottonwood Cemetery at Burwell, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to 4 The Cure or the Burwell Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Still Waters Funeral Parlor is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.stillwatersfuneralparlor.com
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