Shirley Jean Dietrich

Shirley was born in Omaha Nebraska on November 9, 1943, to Valentine Pollreis and Lillian Thiel Pollreis. She grew up with her two sisters and spent part of her childhood in Rockford, Illinois, before returning to Omaha shortly before graduating from high school. Among her fondest childhood memories was spending time with her beloved horse, Flicka. She often laughed about having to stand on a picnic table to climb aboard and loved treating Flicka to apples.

Shirley built a successful career as a paralegal, dedicating most of her professional life to Kutak Rock. While she was proud of her work, her greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to her three children, who were the center of her life and her greatest source of pride. Shirley exemplified strength, perseverance, and unconditional love. She cheered on Gary through his youth sports activities, encouraged Stephan's adventurous spirit, and in 1989 fulfilled her dream of having a daughter by traveling to Honduras to adopt Emilia and bring her home.

Faith and service were cornerstones of Shirley’s life. Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church was her second home, and she was deeply loved by the many people whose lives she touched there. She generously gave her time and talents through cooking and serving community luncheons, supporting the food pantry, helping establish the church’s medical clinic, and volunteering in countless other capacities. In retirement, she found profound fulfillment in dedicating even more of her time to serving others through the church.

Shirley also had a special love for animals. She welcomed many pets into her home over the years and treated each one as a cherished member of the family. Her compassion extended to every animal she encountered, and she was never far from wanting to rescue one more.

Shirley is survived by her children, Gary (Kate), Stephan (Gary), and Emilia (Nolan Windom); her grandchildren, Brennan Hron, Nate Hron, Sydney Dietrich, and James Windom; and her sisters, Doris (Dale Fletcher) and Donna Charette.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Valentine Pollreis and Lillian Thiel Pollreis.

Shirley will be remembered for her selflessness, her countless acts of kindness, and her warm and loving heart. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, faith, and love that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation will be held at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5701 Center St, Omaha, Nebraska 68106, on June 7, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Memorial Service will take place at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church, 2650 Farnam St, Omaha, Nebraska 68131, on June 8, 2026, at 10:30 am.

A Private Family Graveside will be at Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park, 5701 Center St, Omaha, Nebraska 68106.