A celebration of life memorial service for

will be held on Friday, June 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Holdrege, with Pastor Murray Jones officiating. A private inurnment will be held at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Callaway.

Linda Louise (Pitkin) Black, (Mrs. Donn Black), 77 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. Linda was born on Sept. 11, 1948, in Callaway, one of five children born to Ira and Georgia “Jo” (Hansen) Pitkin. She received her education from Callaway Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1966. For the next four years she pursued a degree from Kearney State College, graduating in May of 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education. On June 6, 1970, she was united in marriage to Donn P. Black of Holdrege. They were blessed with two children: Joe and Sarah.

Linda taught fourth grade at Bertrand Community Schools. She loved helping her students learn and working with her coworkers. During the summer months, she taught classes at ESU #11, called Teachers Teaching Teachers. She retired in May 2012, following 43 years of teaching.

Following retirement, Linda enjoyed being able to stay home, reading, scrapbooking, crocheting, and attending UNL volleyball games with her husband, Donn. She loved spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandkids.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Georgia Pitkin; and her brother, John Pitkin.

She leaves to celebrate her life, her husband, Donn Black of Holdrege; their children, Joe Black and wife, Amy of Hastings, and Sarah DeWald and husband, Nate of Holdrege; five grandchildren, Lily and Henry Black of Hastings, and Caleb, Leah, and Isaac of Holdrege; her brothers, Steve Pitkin of Kearney, Terry Pitkin and wife, Julie of Scottsbluff, and Robert Pitkin and wife, Christie of Callaway; two sisters-in-law, Deb Pitkin of Cody, and Denise Panter and husband, Joel of Holdrege; two brothers-in-law, Dale Black and wife, Donna of Grand Island, and Dave Black and wife, Linda of Holdrege; along with several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Linda’s wish was for cremation. There will be memorial book signing on Thursday, June 18, from 5-8 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, with the family greeting friends from 6-7:30 p.m.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Bertrand Community School Foundation. Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www. nelsonbauerfh.com The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.