Brian Lee Warneke

Brian L. Warneke, age 64, passed away on October 26, 2026, after facing Parkinson's disease with the same determination, resilience, and strength that defined much of his life.

Born on July 16, 1962, to Leon and Twyla (Neff) Warneke in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Brian was a lifelong resident of the area and a proud graduate of Lewis Central High School, Class of 1981. He recently retired from Teltech Group after a 45-year career in the telecom industry marked by hard work, dedication, and lasting friendships. Retirement was a chapter he had looked forward to, and while his time was shorter than anyone wished, he filled his years with family, friends, and the things he loved most.

Though Parkinson's presented challenges in recent years, it never diminished Brian's appreciation for life, his devotion to family, or his willingness to help others. He faced each day with quiet courage and a determination that inspired those around him.

Brian was known for being dependable, resourceful, and generous with his time and talents. If someone had a project that needed attention, Brian was often the first person they called and the last to leave until the job was done. He took pride in fixing things, finding solutions, and helping friends and family whenever he could.

Brian loved spending time at Table Rock Lake, where some of his favorite days were spent on the water enjoying good people, good beer, beautiful sunsets, and plenty of good stories. He was a devoted music fan who never minded a road trip or a late night if it meant seeing a great concert. Among his favorite artists was Jimmy Buffett, whose laid-back spirit and love of life mirrored Brian's own.

He was also a loyal sports fan who proudly cheered on both the Creighton Bluejays and the Nebraska Cornhuskers through every season, although he had been spotted on occasion wearing Iowa Hawkeye gear, much to the surprise and amusement of family and friends. Beyond cheering for his favorite teams, Brian was a devoted supporter of Samantha, Reghan, and Gavin, following their soccer, rugby, volleyball, and basketball activities over the years. He happily logged countless miles traveling to games and tournaments, always eager to cheer them on and offer his best fatherly advice.

Brian was looking forward to the arrival of his grandson and enjoyed spoiling his beloved granddogs, Hank and Charlie. Whether enjoying live music, supporting his favorite teams, sharing laughs at the lake, helping someone with a project, or spending time with loved ones, Brian had a way of making every moment a little more memorable.

Brian is survived by his daughter, Samantha Warneke (Mallory); his longtime fiancée, Andrea Coyle; Andrea's children, Reghan Harmer (Alex) and Gavin Coyle; his parents, Leon and Twyla Warneke; siblings Cindy Howe (Doug), Mike Warneke (Lisa), and Mark Warneke (Don); niece Megan Warneke; nephews Andrew Howe (Candace), Jacob Warneke (Caitlin), Nick Warneke (Cailey), and Blake Howe; great-nephews Taylor Warneke and James Howe; Andrea's parents, Dick and Evi Pecht, who welcomed Brian as family; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and loved ones.

While Brian's family wishes they had more time with him, they find comfort knowing that his struggles are behind him and that his legacy lives on through the countless memories, laughs, lessons, and the gentle soul he shared with everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.

"A life measured not by years alone, but by the people who looked forward to seeing him, the stories they still tell, and the memories made together."

Celebration of his life will be on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with storytelling and special remarks at 7:00 PM at the Warehouse Event Venue - 1414 West Broadway in Council Bluffs.