Dianne Lynn Thompson

Dianne Lynn Thompson, 78, of Wood River, NE died on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at CHI Health St. Elizabeth in Lincoln, NE. Memorial services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, May 8, 2026 at Babel’s Barn in Wood River with Derek Apfel officiating. Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church of Wood River or the Wood River Fire and Rescue. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Dianne Lynn Thompson was born on May 9, 1947 in Grand Island, NE to Clarence and Dorothea (Wilhelmi) Luth. She attended Wood River High School and married Douglas Dale Thompson on June 29, 1968. Together, Doug and Dianne had two children, Matthew and Jennifer.

Dianne worked for the telephone company in Grand Island as well as at the dress store known at the time as Marion’s Casuals. Dianne was the primary record keeper, and “Dad’s right hand person” during their years in the farming community of Wood River. She worked tirelessly and diligently to support the never-ending endeavors of family and agricultural life and was always there for anything her husband or children needed.

She was active in the United Methodist Church of Wood River and actively participated in Bridge Club. She enjoyed traveling and golfing with Doug following retirement. She continued golfing and going on trips with her sisters and close friends following Doug’s death. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her one granddaughter, Adilyn, and did a wonderful job of “spoiling her rotten.”

She was preceded in death by her husband, Doug; and daughter, Jennifer Koehler. Those left to cherish her memory are her son: Matt (Megan) Thompson; granddaughter, Adilyn Thompson. She is also survived by her siblings: Ron (Betty) Luth of Columbus, David (Marcy) Luth of Grand Island, Teresa Ohlman of Alda, and Brenda Kaiser of Lincoln; along with many nieces and nephews and their families.