Sheryl was born on August 23, 1941 in Webster City, IA. She grew up in several Midwest communities, including Webster City, IA; Blairsburg, IA; Des Moines, IA; Ames, IA; New Ulm, MN; Grand Island, NE; Fremont, NE; and Edina, MN. Her childhood included countless happy memories of activities with her church and school clubs and antics with her brother and friends.

She was united in marriage to John Diedenhofen in Minneapolis, MN in 1965. They were stationed in San Diego, CA and Honolulu, HI before returning to Edina and starting a family. They also lived in Belmont, CA before she joined her brother’s family in Kingwood, TX, where she resided for four decades. Earlier this year, she moved to live with her daughter in Austin, TX.

Sheryl was dedicated to lifelong learning and teaching. She initially attended Iowa State University and pledged Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. When her own children were in college, she returned to school and obtained a Master of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. She taught for thirty years before retiring to care for her own mother. During multiple summers, she traveled to San Diego to teach English to foreign students at Point Loma Nazarene University.

She loved travel and family history, documenting her adventures and our lives with photo albums and researching our ancestors. She enjoyed investing in residential real estate. Yet, she described herself as a caregiver, raising children, teaching students, caring for her mother, and doting on her little dog, Coco.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Clarine, and her brother, Ron. She is survived by her children: Daughter and son-in-law, Lara and Christopher Fletcher of Austin, TX and son and daughter-in-law, John Diedenhofen of Las Vegas, NV and Jennifer Diedenhofen of San Diego, CA. She is also survived by her five grandchildren – Madeleine and Thomas Fletcher and Jeffrey, Ashley, and Tyler Diedenhofen – and her late brother’s family.

Sheryl was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She was a vivacious woman who greeted everyone with an endearing mixture of warmth and outrageousness. People smiled – even laughed – just to hear her name mentioned. During her final days, when asked if she had a good life, her quiet voice emphatically answered, “Oh, it was FUN.” Finally, she loved the Lord greatly, and she was confident in His protection of her.

As per her wishes, Sheryl will be cremated and interred with her parents at Graceland Cemetery in Webster City, IA. In lieu of flowers or donations, please visit our Forever Missed online memorial and contribute your favorite Sheryl stories or photos to celebrate her life.

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