Charles "Burt" Warne

Charles “Burt” Warne, 94, of Mankato, passed away surrounded by his loving family, on June 23, 2026. Born to Clem O. and Stella (Russell) Warne on their farmstead near Rubens, Ks on December 17, 1931, Burt was raised with the values that would define his life: faith, family, hard work and service.

After graduating from Mankato High School in 1949, he immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. Four years later, he returned home with honor and enrolled in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in agronomy. Graduating in January of 1957, Burt’s degrees prepared him for a career that was far more than a job. Farming and ranching weren’t simply what Burt did, they were who he was. The land, livestock, and changing seasons shaped a life he genuinely loved.

On January 27, 1957, immediately following graduation, Burt married Evelyn Beckius at the Methodist Church in Superior, Nebraska. Together they raised three children - David, Denise, and DeeAnn. Their marriage spanned an extraordinary 69 years, a testament to devotion, partnership, and enduring friendship.

Beyond his family and farm, Burt was committed to his community. He was previously a director of Farmway Credit Union Board and was an active member of Harmony United Methodist Church where he served on numerous committees. Burt was also a member of the Mankato Lion’s Club.

Though farming was his passion, he found joy in preserving pieces of history. He lovingly restored a 1950 Plymouth and treasured the family’s original tractor which was a 1949 M Farmall.

More than anything, Burt will be remembered for the life he built and the people he loved. Burt will be missed by his wife, Evelyn Warne; children David C. Warne (Deborah) of Mankato, KS, Denise K Gouldie (Tim) of Buhler, KS, and DeeAnn Beam (Rod) of Mankato, KS; grandchildren Chase J. Warne of Mankato, KS, Meghan Elizabeth McMillan (Blake) of Jewell, KS, Madeline Paige Thiessen (Bransen) of Beloit, KS, Jacob Owen Gouldie (Nichole) of Inman, KS, Allison Nicole Gouldie (Marcus Hennekens) of Bay Village, OH, Faryn Shea Schulte (Jake) of St. George, KS, Chelsi Teal Jimison (Adam) of Manhattan, KS, and Drew Christian Beam (Madison Blackstone) of Superior, NE; and 12 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Clem and Stella Warne, brothers Robert John Warne “Bob” (Lauradelle)and William Max Warne “Bill”, his father in law and mother in law, Joe and Fern Beckius, and brother in laws, Joe (Alice) and Dick Beckius.

Funeral services will take place at Harmony United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Jim Rice officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, KS. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Melby Mortuary. Memorials may be made to Harmony United Methodist Church or the Rock Hills/Mankato Alumni Association in care of Melby Mortuary, P.O. Box 384, Mankato, KS 66956.