NEW ULM–Doreen Kaye Dietrich, 88, of New Ulm, MN, died peacefully on January 5, 2024. She was born on August 19, 1935, in Jamestown, ND, to John and Effie (Weber) Maag. Doreen graduated from Jamestown High School in 1953 and married Rod on September 13, 1953. They were married for 65 years. Doreen and Rod settled in New Ulm, MN where Rod owned Pinks, later Ehlers department store. Doreen was his right hand spending many Sundays and evenings at the store helping while the kids played hide and seek among the racks.

When the nest started to empty, Doreen enrolled at Mankato State University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BA in French and English, and a BS in Education. Doreen went on to have a career in education, working as an English teacher at New Ulm Middle School and serving as a substitute teacher for District 88. She had a passion for teaching and positively impacted the lives of countless students throughout her career.

Doreen and Rod enjoyed life on the lake at their Minnesota home in Cross Lake and in their retirement years the winter months at their home in Ft. Myers, FL. They embarked on countless adventures, traveling alone and with family and friends to many places worldwide.

Doreen was a highly creative person whose artistic abilities were evident in her various hobbies. She could sew a dress just by looking at it on a mannequin. She had a passion for the theater whether attending live performances or acting in local productions. She played the violin in the local orchestra and enjoyed ceramics, painting, drawing, cooking, and entertaining. Her true works of art were the beautifully decorated birthday cakes she made for her children and grandchildren. Doreen’s flower garden was also a masterpiece, bursting with vibrant colors and expanding over the years until barely any lawn was left to mow.

Doreen was a member of a gourmet club that created amazing feasts and memorable dinner parties. She was involved in various community organizations, including Friends of the Library, New Ulm Hockey Association, and the first New Ulm Heritagefest committee. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and served on the board there and at the United Way in New Ulm and the Mankato State University Alumni Association.

Doreen’s greatest passion was her grandchildren and her great-grandson. She cherished her role as a “Nana” and was actively involved in their lives. She and Rod attended countless recitals and sports events (in rain, snow, and cold), showing their unwavering support and love for their grandchildren.

Doreen is survived by her children, Laurie Dietrich (Joe Frank), Leslie Van Keulen (Jeff), Garth Dietrich (Cammie), and Leah Dietrich (Dan Ecklund), and her grandchildren: Jennifer Van Keulen, Jessica Melquist, Andrew Dietrich, Allison Ecklund, Grant (Buzz) Dietrich, Lauren Ecklund, and great-grandson, Jack Bradley.

Doreen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Rod Dietrich, her parents, and her siblings: Vivian Fredrickson, Dolores Caulfield, Jerry Maag, Opal Babcock, and Dallas Maag.

A celebration of Doreen’s life will be at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm, MN at 11 am on Saturday, August 24, 2024. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice.

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