Marilyn Dierks

Marilyn Mae Dierks, 91, was born 8/16/33 in Wahoo, Nebraska and lived most of her life in Omaha, Nebraska. She passed away 12/9/2024. She is survived by her three children: Doug Dierks, Diane Mills (George) and Cathy Lovely (David); seven grandchildren: Ryan Dierks, Aaron Mills (Emma), Michael Mills (Roxana), Caitlyn Dierks, Haley Lovely, Adam Mills(Yara), Mitchell Lovely (Samantha); and five great grandchildren: Griffin Mills, Leon Mills, Gavin Mills, Eleanor Mills and Sofia Mills.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Justin, parents Adolph and Katharine Niedfelt, sister Betty Eggerling (Marlin), son Terry Dierks, and son-in-law George Mills.

After high school, she worked at the YWCA in Lincoln, Nebraska where she met her future husband. She also worked at the Martin Bomber Plant.

Dedicated to raising her four children, she worked as a teacher aid, school nurse and tutor at Hillside Elementary School until retiring and devoted many hours to any and all programs at Underwood Hills Presbyterian Church, including choir and piano. She squeezed in sewing costumes, needlepoint, experimenting with recipes, gardening, canning, volunteering at the Omaha Playhouse, preparing supplies for Boy Scout troop excursions, acting as den mother to Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Girls, decorating for each and every holiday, preparing for long cross country camping trips, acting as hotel for traveling relatives and oversaw the care of a menagerie of family pets. She never went anywhere without a book.

The arrival of her grandchildren kicked off another surge of making sure no child felt left out, and her home was a constant hive of activity. She bought her first computer and started reaching out to far flung relatives with the support of her grandchildren technicians. The arrival of her great grandchildren was miraculous.

Marilyn’s mottoes were “clean out your own backyard,” “treat others as you would like to be treated” and “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” She welcomed everyone into her home, and she will always be remembered for her quiet love.