Dianna (Butherus) Korell

Dianna Butherus Korell died May 19, 2021 at her lake home near Ashland where she loved the view of the lake, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 71 years old.

Dianna was born to George and Irva (Wagner) Butherus on September 30, 1949, the second of five daughters.  Growing up on the family farm just on the edge of Culbertson with wide open places to play with her sisters, chickens and livestock to tend, and beautiful prairie sunrises and sunsets was among her fondest memories.  With the encouragement of her mother, Dianna learned to play the piano and served as the organist for Trinity United Methodist Church.  Dianna was active in school activities.  Following graduation from Culberston High School Class of 1967, Dianna attended Hastings College.

Dianna and Brad Korell, classmates since fourth grade and high school sweethearts were married August 1, 1970. Following Brad’s military service, Dianna and Brad moved back to Lincoln, making Lincoln their home.  Fulfilling her lifelong dream, Dianna became the mother to Melissa, Kevin and Ryan. Her life was filled with children’s activities including horse shows, soccer games, school events, a young mothers’ group at church, after school visits with her children around the dining room table, family ski trips to Colorado, trips back home to the farm, precious time with grandchildren, volunteering at St. Elizabeth Health Center and serving as a TeamMates mentor.  In 1991, Dianna continued her formal education by earning her Medical Assisting Degree from Southeast Community College, followed by employment at St. Elizabeth Wound Care Center as a medical assistant.

Her family remembers her fondly as a source of compassion and strength, that carried each of us through the darkest times of our lives.  She bestowed on each of us her boundless and unconditional love for which we are ever grateful.

Her immediate family includes daughter Melissa and husband Ben Wright of Kenai, Alaska and children, John, George, James and Dianna; son Kevin Korell and his daughter Ruby of Lincoln; and son Ryan and his wife Jacque and their daughter Skyler of Pueblo, Colorado.

In August 2020, Dianna and Brad celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by moving to their new lake home in Ashland.

Dianna is survived by husband Brad, her children and grandchildren; sisters Pat Welch, Susan Ihrig, Marcia Spady and Barbara Cooper and their families; Uncle Paul Wagner and wife Karen; brother-in-law Kip Korell and sister-in-law Kerry Chrisman; and many other members of her extended family.

Funeral Service:  2:00 P.M., Monday, May 24 at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers BLVD, Lincoln, Nebraska followed by a reception at the church.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 25, 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. with family present to greet friends at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home, 305 West C Street, McCook, Nebraska.

A private family internment will be held at the Culbertson Cemetery.

Condolences will reach the family at 580 Golden Eagle Court, Ashland, Nebraska 68003.  Memorials may be made in Diana’s honor to Dianna Korell Memorial Scholarship, in care of TeamMates, 6801 O Street Lincoln, NE 68510 or https://teammates.org

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the family.