Loree Frances Dienstbier

Loree Frances Dienstbier, 76 years of age, of Fremont, formerly of Beatrice passed away Friday, January 5, 2024 at Pathfinder Senior Living in Fremont. She was born on September 2, 1947 at the Lutheran Hospital in Beatrice to Frank “Fritz” and Loretta (Minick) Dienstbier. Loree grew up on a farm near Liberty and graduated from Barneston High School in 1965. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Doane College in 1969. She lived in Columbus from 1969 to 1981 where she taught elementary, kindergarten and physical education. Loree married Roger Cooley in 1971 at Mission Creek Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School. They later divorced in 1981. She substitute taught elementary school in Wymore and Beatrice from 1981 to 2011. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2004 and strived to live her best life until the end. Loree was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority since 1976 where she held offices of President, Treasurer and Secretary. She was also a past member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Beatrice where she taught Sunday School and was the Sunday School Superintendent. Loree was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #27 of Beatrice serving as President for a total of 25 years and received an award for 40 years continuous service this past year. Her passions were many over the years; bowling, traveling by car or bus tours, casinos, collecting elephants, Christmas trees and Christmas musical motion activated items. Loree loved and needed friends and family and was known for writing poems about them to honor their friendship. She and her sister, DeLoris, moved to Fremont in January of 2022.

Loree is survived by her sister, DeLoris Jensby of Fremont; nieces, Kathy McKelvey and husband Bob of Fremont, Valerie Jensby of Lincoln, Lisa Pool of Grand Island; nephews, Douglas Jensby of Lincoln, Kevin Dienstbier, Shawn Dienstbier and wife Starla, both of Beatrice; sister-in-law, Gyra Lytle of Fairbury; 16 great nieces and nephews; and 24 great great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Albert and Robert; brother-in-law, Richard Jensby; niece-in-law, Annette Jensby; and nephew-in-law, Steve Lineweber.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice with Jon Palmquist officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice from 2 to 8 PM with family greeting friends from 4 to 6 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, American Legion Auxiliary in Beatrice or the American Legion in Liberty in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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