Lillian Dieterich

Dieterich, Lillian Field MCFARLAND - Lillian Field Dieterich, age 96, of McFarland, died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday morning, Nov. 5, 2006, after a prolonged illness. She was born on Dec. 31, 1909, in Wagoner, Okla., to Mary Lillian Field and Frank Decker Field. Lillian grew up in Omaha, Neb. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1927 until 1931, and graduated with a bachelors degree in French. Lillian returned to Omaha, and married Neil B. Dieterich Jr. They had four children and lived many years in Lincoln, Neb., and then Omaha again. Her husband was president of Dieterich-Field, Inc., a wholesale dry goods company. Lillian was a homemaker until the untimely death of her beloved husband in 1961. She then went to work at the Presbyterian Bookstore as the bookkeeper for the Presbyterian Synod of a four state area. In 1984, Lillian moved to McFarland to be near one of her children and their family. She then worked for Physicians Plus Insurance Company and at one time, was their oldest employee, working there until about 1993. Lillians passion in life was her Christian faith, and since the age of 22 until she was about 78, she taught Sunday school to high school aged students. She loved teenagers and always found their best gifts within their hearts. Lillian became ill in 2002 with temporal arteritis and her health declined from that time until her death. Over the past four years, she lived with her daughter, Marthas family, where they cared for her with such love and devotion. Lillian was a wonderful artist and poet also, sharing many of her beautiful faith filled poems with her friends and family. She loved Gods world of nature, and the incredible people that she met over her 96 years, valuing friendship deeply within her heart. Lillian had a wonderful sense of humor and a twinkle in her eye! She is survived by her children, Mary (Roger) Schindler of Fairport, N.Y., Neil B. (Janet) Dieterich of St. Paul, Minn., Martha (James) Shaw of Richland Center, and Deborah (Edward) Kramper of McFarland; 18 grandchildren; nine grandchildrens spouses; 18 great-grandchildren; a niece; and several nephews. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Neil B. Dieterich Jr.; her parents; and a sister, Jean Faires. Funeral services will be held at MCFARLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5529 Marsh Road, McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006, with the Rev. Terry Peterson presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Omaha, Neb. Memorials may be made to Salvation Army. Dearest Mom, You have been such a part of all of our lives for so many, many years, that it is impossible to think of the future without you. You were always there for us from diapers to girl scouts, from teaching Sunday school to entertaining guests. You taught us to be happy in the face of adversity, faithful in our prayers, giving in our tithes, and loving, always loving. How we admired your strength to face life without your mate, your sacrifice to meet our needs above your own, and your devotion to community service and your church. You taught us to have faith in the God of the Bible, and to live our lives for others. We, your children, want to thank the many people who helped us with your care in the later years and the prayers of cherished friends when you were struggling with illness. We will so miss you but know you are now living with Jesus and your family and friends who have waited so long for you to come to them in the heavenly mansions. Love, your children. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com