Diann R. Muhlbach

Diann Rogene (Harder) Muhlbach, 82, of Shelton, NE died on Friday, January 23, 2026, at CHI Health St. Franics in Grand Island, NE.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Justin Bangert officiating. Burial will follow at 1 pm at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Shelton, NE. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm on Monday, February 2nd at Peace Lutheran Church in the Life Center. Memorials are suggested to the Literacy Council or the First Light Advocacy Center.

Diann was born on August 17, 1943, at Grand Island, NE the daughter of Ralph and Joyce (Jess) Harder. She was on a farm north of Cairo, NE and graduated from Cairo High School in 1960.

She was united in marriage to Richard A. Muhlbach Jr. on June 11, 1966, at Christ Lutheran in Cairo, NE.

Diann attended Kearney State College and received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science. She taught for two years at District 31 in Hall County as well as in Ravenna from 1966-1973. Diann had a full career that included: substitute teaching in Centura, being an instructor and Director of Adult Basic Education at Central Community College, working at Western NE Legal Service, being a clerk of District Court, serving at the Executive Director of Heartland CASA, starting the Literacy Council and Child Advocacy Center, being appointed by the Governor to serve on the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission for 14 years, and serving on many local and state Non-Profit Organizations.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Jr.; sisters, Marilyn (Tom) Wilson, LaJean Magnuson, Renee VanWinkle, and Lynnette (Don) Losh; 13 nieces and nephews, and 25 grand nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Daryl and Randel Harder; and brothers-in-law, Ruel Magnuson and John VanWinkle.