Linda Lee Bunnell

Linda Lee Turner was born at her grandmother’s house in Omaha on Father’s Day, June 16, 1940 to Gail and Virdeen (Nelson) Turner. She attended Mount View elementary school and in 1954 was baptized at Mount View Presbyterian Church. At 16 she took a job as a long-distance operator to earn money for college, graduating from North High School in 1958 and she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Omaha in 1962. Born to be a teacher, she loved reading books and immersed herself in her studies, redoing homework until it was perfect. She held teaching jobs in Dubuque, IA, Ord, and Omaha, before settling in with the Elkhorn Schools for 25 years where she taught social studies and language arts. She loved teaching about other cultures, particularly Central and South America, and she was known for directing her students annually for 25 years in the production of “A Christmas Carol”. In 1992 she was named a Nebraska Educator of the Year and in 1999 proudly earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Doane College. Her Master’s came at age 59, indicative of her belief that learning was a life-long endeavor. In 1964 she married Kenneth J Bunnell, Jr. They lived in Dubuque while Ken attended Seminary and later lived in Keystone, Lemoyne, Ord, Waterloo, and Elkhorn. They had two children, Christine and Kenneth III whom she dearly loved her entire life, never missing an event of theirs. She was active in Eastern Star Luna Chapter, PEO, Social Order of the Beauceant No. 91, and Sat-ra Temple No 59 Daughters of the Nile. She was active in the various churches Ken served and for the last 20 years returned to the church of her youth—Mount View Presbyterian, reuniting with many life-long friends. Proud of her heritage, she became the first female “Chief” of the Scottish Society of Nebraska and was a long-time Scottish Country Dancer. In retirement, Linda was an extraordinary grandparent, always ready with crafts, activities, treats and warm hugs. Visits to Grandma’s house included ample spoiling, but she made sure there was some sort of learning opportunity as well, even if veiled in a fun activity. Linda’s greatest passions were her family and teaching, but she had other interests too. She loved art, reading, writing, crosswords, the Rocky Mountains, fishing, and the 5 Siamese cats she and Ken had. She loved a game of Pinochle or Trivial Pursuit, and watching ice skating, Antiques Roadshow or Murder She Wrote. At home, vanilla ice cream and Hershey’s chocolate sauce was always on hand and her love of Christmas was visible year round by her collection of over 500 Santa Clauses. She was a true believer in the magic and meaning of Christmas. Linda is preceded in death by parents Gail Turner and Virdeen Koken; brother Larry (Gloria) Turner; Sister Beverly Turner. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Dr. Kenneth Bunnell Jr., son Ken III (Kim) Bunnell, grandchildren K.J. and Masyn, daughter Christine Bunnell, sister Judy Turner, and many nieces and nephews. The family acknowledges Linda’s long-time and recent caregivers including the staff at the Valley Methodist Medical Clinic, Elk Ridge Senior Living, and Legato Senior Living. Linda touched thousands of students during her teaching career—a vocation she never saw as just a job. In a handwritten note remembering college, she recalled “sometimes I walked to and from school five miles just to have the privilege of an education and to be a teacher”. She came from modest means and knew education created opportunities and opened doors for her and others. If you would like to honor Linda, we ask you find a teacher, and thank them for imparting knowledge, wisdom, and a desire to learn on others.

Linda Lee Bunnell

June 16, 1940 - August 25, 2026