Emily S. (Lykke) Butler

Emily S. (Lykke) Butler

October 2, 1982 – July 5, 2019

Emily was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, dog mom, friend, and nurse. One of Emily’s patients once told her she had a “heart of gold” and there is not a better way to describe her. During her years traveling around the country as a nurse, Emily always found a way to stay close to her friends and family. She opened her home to anyone who wanted to visit, and often made the trek back to Omaha to spend time with the ones who loved her most.

Emily was a wonderful aunt and she loved to spoil her nieces and nephews; Jackson, Grace, Abby, Ty and Parker. She was always up for a fun adventure or a shopping trip, and always made time for her nieces and nephews whenever she visited.

Emily’s quick wit and humor made her a friend to everyone she met. She was an amazing nurse and worked in many hospitals throughout the country. She was loved everywhere she went. Recently, after getting her master’s degree, Emily started teaching nursing students. And like everything else Emily did, she excelled. Her students loved her and she loved them. She poured her heart and soul into her nursing career and helped hundreds of patients throughout her career.

Emily was a dog lover and she loved her pups fiercely, just like they were her children. There wasn’t anything Emily wouldn’t do for her dogs. They were her world.

Emily is survived by her parents, Paul and Connie Lykke; her older sisters, Jill Ostergaard (Adam) and Kim Sitzmann (Bill); her nieces and nephews: Jackson, Grace, Abigail, Ty and Parker; and countless friends.

VISITATION begins at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 15th at the West Center Chapel, followed by CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE at 2:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Nebraska Humane Society http://www.nehumanesociety.org/ or the Beagle Freedom Project https://bfp.org/

56 Comments

  • Angie Bell Posted July 10, 2019 2:25 pm

    My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Emily. May your memories of time spent together and the beautiful impact she had on this world comfort you.

  • Lisa Rice Posted July 10, 2019 3:40 pm

    I met Emily while she worked in Indiana. My heart is broken because of this terrible loss. My prayers are with the family.

  • Quinton Smith Posted July 10, 2019 4:11 pm

    I am so so sorry to hear about this. I am still in shock and disbelief and didn’t want to believe what i was reading. I am so sorry, and i cant even express how upset, hurt and numb i am over hearing this. I keep you all in my prayers.- Q

  • Hana Norval Posted July 10, 2019 4:26 pm

    I am so grief-stricken that the world has lost Miss Emmy Lou Sue. All my love to her family and friends.

  • Quinton Smith Posted July 10, 2019 4:48 pm

    I am so so sorry to hear this and your loss. I did not want to believe it when i saw it and I cant even express how hurt,numb, and sad i am. My heart and prayers goes out to your family and I am so sorry for you loss.

  • Hannah Fishburn Posted July 10, 2019 5:05 pm

    Emily was my first nursing instructor when I began my journey in nursing school. She is why I love nursing so much and she always pushed me to be the best version of myself as well as worked so hard to make sure I got the most out of my education. Truly the kindest, most loving person. I am so grateful for the time I was given with Emily. Condolences to her family. Her students in Colorado will always have her in our hearts.

  • Brad and Melissa Anderson Posted July 10, 2019 6:33 pm

    Our deepest sympathies for your loss. You are all in our thoughts.

  • Abby Schindele Posted July 10, 2019 10:38 pm

    Emily was my Nursing Instructor at Front Range in Colorado. I learned so much from this woman. Not just nursing skills, but how to be kind and how to give my patients everything I have. She was smart, beautiful, kind, funny and a true friend and mentor. From the deep passion she put into everything, it is easy to say her life was only just beginning. I am so saddened by the loss of this incredible woman, and I am honored to have had the chance to know her. My condolences to the family, she talked about you often, about Nebraska and her upbringing, and how much she loved her family.

  • Amy Silverman Posted July 10, 2019 10:52 pm

    I was a student of emily’s — we bonded over our mutual love of dogs and coffee and I deeply appreciated her authenticity and witty sense of humor. She had a huge professional impact on me, I looked up to her and I am shocked by this tragic loss. To her family and friends—please accept my condolences for your loss.

  • Penny Dennis Posted July 11, 2019 4:52 am

    My heartfelt condolences to the Lykkes. Emily was a wonderful and caring nurse.

  • Dolzin Olsen Posted July 11, 2019 7:08 am

    My prayers and deepest sympathies for your loss. I will always treasure you in my mind’s eye! RIP, my greatest teacher, I will carry on your example of being the best nurse on bedside and to students. I will miss you so much.

  • Andrea Paseka Posted July 11, 2019 7:24 am

    Emily and those who loved her are in my thoughts. May you all find peace.

  • Linda Kimminau Posted July 11, 2019 9:22 am

    Jill – You and your family are in my thoughts every day. My condolences on the loss of your sister.

  • Tracy Hanzek Posted July 11, 2019 9:47 am

    My heart hurts for your family. Such a horrible loss to have to go through. I pray that God will help give you strength in the days ahead. Hugs to you Connie.

  • Lisa Studer (Rix) Posted July 11, 2019 10:10 am

    My deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful daughter. I coached her in basketball at Central her sophomore year. She was such a sweet young lady. Praying for your family to get through this difficult time.

  • Mary Pat and Larry Raynor Posted July 11, 2019 11:01 am

    Our love and prayers to you. We are beyond shocked at the gravity of this loss. May God surround your family with His peace. I remember Emily has a child with her big Sister, Jill…always a smile on her beautiful little
    face.

  • Chris Pellman Posted July 11, 2019 11:02 am

    So sorry for this tragic loss. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Julie McGinnis Posted July 11, 2019 12:53 pm

    Sending you love and prayers at this difficult time.

  • Jennifer Kerns Posted July 11, 2019 12:55 pm

    May the love and love of family and friends comfort you during this difficult time. I am holding Emily’s family in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Rachel Kite Posted July 11, 2019 1:03 pm

    Sending my most sincere condolences for your loss. I was one of Emilys students. She was such a wonderful nurse and teacher. She made learning to become a nurse exciting and fun. I am so blessed to have been able to learn from her. She will always have a special place in my heart.

  • Dana Hoegh Posted July 11, 2019 1:17 pm

    There are no words for this kind of loss. Emily lived a life of passion. Terribly sad for those who know her and terrible sad for those that will not have the chance to get to know her. I hope you all continue to have the strength and support you need to keep Emily’s spirit alive.

  • Linda M Minino Posted July 11, 2019 1:33 pm

    Connie and Paul, I am in Ireland and saw this announcement
    I am so sorry for your loss. She looks like a very beautiful girl, just like her mama! Know, please, that I am praying for all of you at this time.

  • Ashley Macias Posted July 11, 2019 4:23 pm

    Emily was my first med surg instructor and was a great support to me, not only for my education but also personally. She made sure I had an amazing clinical experience and took the time to genuinely get to know each of her students. I will always remember her kindness, honesty and love for life. Thank you emily, you will be missed and forever remembered fondly.

  • Tracie Hensley Posted July 11, 2019 4:55 pm

    My deepest condolences to you all. I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. Emily was my clinical instructor at BCH and she helped me to become a nurse by giving me the best example and pushing me to believe I could be a great nurse too. I looked up to her so very much. She is so very missed by everyone who knew her. My prayers go out to all of you.

  • Evan Thompson Posted July 11, 2019 5:04 pm

    Deepest condolences to Emily’s family and loved ones during this difficult time and always. Emily – always just so bubbly sweet funny and she loved her friends and family so much and it just radiated from her. She will be deeply missed by so many and I am grateful I got to know her as a friend. May she Rest In Peace

  • Kat atwell Posted July 11, 2019 5:27 pm

    I am deeply saddened by our loss. Emily was my dear friend here in Colorado. She loved hikes and the mountains. She loved finding the off the beaten path cafes . I will miss her, and hope that her adventurist spirit and memories of her bright smile comfort you.+

  • Traci Menicucci Posted July 11, 2019 7:05 pm

    I worked with Emily at the Med Center as a Care Tech on OHSCU while she went thru nursing school. She always had a smile, and we laughed many nights about how crazy life, love and work was on both of us. She loved Max and Miles (her pups) and i enjoyed hearing her stories of them at the dog park. She would do anything for anyone…heart of gold. I am honored and blessed to have been able to work with her and know her. My heart goes out to her family. Many hugs & prayers to you all during this sad experience and way too early end of her beautiful life. ????????

  • Diana Brink Posted July 11, 2019 8:32 pm

    No words!! My heart hurts for your family

  • Ashley Cloyed Posted July 11, 2019 8:43 pm

    My deepest condolences goes out to you and everyone impacted by this tragic time. I think of Emily often. She gave me one of the best memories during nursing school. She had the best sense of humor and personality. She was always willing to listen and take us under her wing during the hardest of times… like momma duck would do with her baby chicks (us being student nurses). She was so intelligent, so ambitious and knowledgeable. She guided us and taught us the best she could, and for that we will bring her with us always. Thanks to her, I am that much better of a nurse. I felt so privileged to have known her.

  • Kat’s K9s, LLC Posted July 11, 2019 10:29 pm

    I met Emily a few years ago. She hired my company, Kat’s K9s, LLC to walk Myles and Lucy (the pair is now Clark and Lucy after Myles had passed). She was a loyal customer for a little over two years, and we have been there for her pups during their moves. We are heartbroken that her life ended so tragically, and we offer our condolences to the family!

  • Bryan McDonald Posted July 12, 2019 1:05 am

    Not many people believed in me during nursing school, but Emily was one of the few that pushed me to be the best nurse I can be. We shared our love for the huskers, dogs, and a great sense of humor. She will be missed so much. Love you Emily. Go Big Red!

  • Jen White Posted July 12, 2019 8:39 am

    Scooter, you’re going to be missed. Thank you for the memories. Pip

  • Vickey Cordoba Posted July 12, 2019 9:25 am

    Connie & family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • Adam Queen Posted July 12, 2019 9:36 am

    Sending all the love and prayers to Emily’s family and friends in this tragic time. Earth has lost a bright light, while the heavens will shine a bit brighter. I am at a loss for words to hear this devastating news.

  • Denny & Laurie Joens Posted July 12, 2019 9:40 am

    Dear Paul & Connie, so very sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. Sounds like she was a wonderful young lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you dear friends. May God give you his peace. Love Den & Laurie

  • Candice Sip Posted July 12, 2019 10:54 am

    My heart aches for the family of Emily. I remember her well even back to grade school when my son, Erich, with Emily, and the multitude of kids who hung out together would come to our house occasionally. That group of kids are still friends today and are heartbroken as well about the loss of Emily. Please know let your family are in my prayers .

  • Stephanie Prohaska Byars Posted July 12, 2019 12:04 pm

    I am at a loss for words I just remember all of us playing on the playground at Washington and having so much fun. Sure we all grew up and grew apart but she was always my friend and I am so devastated and sad right now and I want to send my condolences to her family. I’m so sorry for your loss and the world has lost a very smart and beautiful young woman who just loved life and her dogs more than her own life she will be missed by everyone I know.

  • Sheryl Rasmussen Voggesser Posted July 12, 2019 2:00 pm

    Thinking of you and praying for you in this terrible time.

  • Linda Krause Posted July 12, 2019 5:39 pm

    With love and sweet memories of a happy young elementary student, my heart aches with Emily’s family, childhood friends, the students and friends whose lives she has touched in beautiful ways!! May precious memories, family, friends and your faith comfort you in this difficult loss, Uplifting you in prayer for special comfort in this difficult time. Linda Krause

  • Tiffany Seibel Posted July 12, 2019 6:08 pm

    Emily was truly one of a kind and I will miss her dearly. I am so sorry for your loss; there are no words to convey the magnitude of this tragedy. We can only keep her alive in our hearts. Sending lots of love from Colorado.

  • Jill Reeves Posted July 12, 2019 8:22 pm

    So very sorry for your unthinkable loss.

  • Stacy Maulin Posted July 12, 2019 10:32 pm

    Emily was my advanced med surg 2 instructor during my last semester of school at BCH through FRCC in Westminster Co, as well as one of (the majority) my nursing preceptors during my preceptorship right before graduation, Dec of 2018. You went out of your way to make sure I had the best preceptorship experience as possible. Then you ended up taking me on for the most of it and finishing it. I will never forget you for that. All the skills and knowledge you taught me keep running through my mind as well as all of our conversation’s and memories. I couldn’t have got any luckier having you as an instructor and mentor. I will always look up to you. After graduation our friendship continued, I keep reading our text’s of the happy news and sad news still in shock you are gone. Emily I am truly blessed to have met you. Thank you for always being so kind, caring, patient, and witty. Too all of Emily’s family and friend’s, know we are all thinking of you and please accept my deepest condolences.

  • Mary Kay Rohrberg Posted July 13, 2019 7:35 am

    Connie, My heart aches for you. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

  • Bob Lykke Posted July 13, 2019 9:16 am

    Paul and Connie, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We have never met you, but now wished we had. We are so sorry. Emily must have been a wonderful young lady, and a dedicated nurse.

  • Peggy Gerlach Posted July 13, 2019 12:06 pm

    Oh Connie I am so sorry! My thoughts and prayers for you and your family, sending comfort angels.

  • Merlyn & Jeanette Knudsen Posted July 14, 2019 6:46 am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  • Holly Hingtgen Posted July 14, 2019 7:17 pm

    I cannot tell you how sorry I am to hear of the loss of our beloved Emily. Emily was such a bright light in this world. We had so many fun adventures together and she touched so many lives. I am in shock and my heart is heavy. My thoughts and prayers are with your family as well as her friends during this time.

  • Bud Svajgl Posted July 14, 2019 9:29 pm

    Paul and Connie I just found out what happened, I am so sorry for your loss.

  • Karina Lahue Posted July 14, 2019 9:30 pm

    May Emily’s life live on through the knowledge and kindness she shared with her nursing students and patients. Emily was a fabulous instructor! Please accept our prayers and condolences on behalf of the Front Range Community College Nursing Faculty. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficulty time.

  • Geri Koehler Posted July 16, 2019 2:50 pm

    I was Emily’s recruiter (so blessed to be so) for several of her travel assignments as a nurse. And I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting her once in Omaha when she stopped by our office. She was an absolute delight and a GREAT nurse! Emily was a very special person and I wanted to express my sincere sympathy to you, her family! I will keep you all in my prayers as I know you are grieving and missing her so much.

  • Brian Hudson Posted July 16, 2019 4:16 pm

    I went to Lewis and Clark and Omaha Central w Emily. She was always always smiling and had a great sense of humor about her. She was super supportive of our junior high and varsity basketball team at Central. Glad to call her a friend. Condolences to her family and peers!

  • Amber Benson Posted July 16, 2019 6:40 pm

    I just found out about this tragedy today and am at such a loss for words. I met Emily travel nursing in Albuquerque and she quickly became one of my nearest and dearest friends, speaking multiple times daily for years.
    Such was a great friend to me in a time when I needed a great friend. I’m so sorry the world lost such a special woman.
    Will he praying constantly for her family and loved ones.

  • Joris Gutowski Posted July 17, 2019 12:12 pm

    Connie & Paul — Tavi just sent me a note to let me know this had happened. I am sooo sorry and I know nothing I can say will make it better. If I could I would take this away from happening. My dogs and I say prayers at night and will add Em and all of you to our pray list. Anything that I can do to help or just an ear to listen. . . Love to all. Joris

  • Diane Hunter Posted July 19, 2019 12:41 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of Emily’s passing. She traveled to Sioux Falls,SD a few years ago. All of the nurses here loved her. She was easy to love with her sense of humor. She talked about her family often, and already had to get home to her dogs.

  • Marj Jordan Posted August 4, 2019 6:18 pm

    Emily never met a person or animal she thought was unworthy of love. Her passion for rescuing dogs was only matched by her passion for rescuing people. I am honored to have called her my friend and I am, forever, changed.

  • Timothy Pontti Posted August 19, 2019 3:35 am

    I’m gonna miss you Emily. Wish we could still watch Emmett Otter’s Jug Band Christmas like we used to. Thoughts and prayers for your family.

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