Diane Trullinger

Diane McDowell Trullinger 1934 - 2016

Diane was born in Kearney, Nebraska, on October 27th 1934 to FC ‘Jack’ McDowell and Clara R (Bacon) McDowell. Her early life was spent in Gothenburg. a place that was always special to her. Diane graduated from high school in Curtis, Nebraska and later graduated with a Masters Degree in counseling from Wayne State University. She persued a career in the education field serving in various schools and over the years she lived in a number of locations, and will doubtless be remembered in Cozad, Curtis. Lincoln ,Taylor ,Thedford and Wakefield each in Nebraska. Her association with Wakefield was particularly poignant to her, for she devoted a great deal of her skill and passion for music to the community through the band program. Diane was always pleased to recall the band moments. Her students held her in great esteem and doubtless retained that affection long after her retirement Wherever Diane lived, whether  it was in Laramie, Wyoming or at Ft Benning in Georgia, Diane, along with her family, was always active in the community, a hallmark of her personality.

On November 27th 1953, Diane was united in marriage to her beloved Lyle Trullinger and the couple were blessed with two children Ann and Ryan. After 20 years in Wakefield, Diane and Lyle returned to Gothenburg to manage the McDowell farm south of town in 1988.

Diane was a perfect ambassador for Gothenburg. She would enthusiastically greet people passing through, and tell them as much as she could about the community and its features. She was very much a people friendly person. A keen gardener, Diane was proud of her work out at the farm. She loved photography, music and arts and was never short on stories when visiting with friends. She served on the Gothenburg Chamber Tourism committee for the best part of two decades, and was always ready to work on projects and present ideas. One such idea was inspired by seeing metal banners depicting the various activities in a Wyoming community. Diane thought it would be “neat” if Gothenburg could have something like this. Two metal banners were put in place in front of the Pony Express station in Gothenburg as a forerunner to Diane’s project. She was recognized for her commitment as ‘Friend of Tourism’ - an award well merited.

As a responsible citizen. Diane took her privileges as a US citizen very seriously, and worked to promote the ideals held by the Dawson County Democrat Party. She never forced her opinions on people, but would defend her values with fervor, being proud to hold her views on a whole variety of issues.

Diane was preceded in death by her husband Lyle, and her parents.

Survivors include her daughter Ann Trullinger (Gothenburg), son Ryan Trullinger, daughter in law Leslie (Outz) Trullinger( Gothenburg) her aunt and uncle. Harriet and Dean Buller of Cozad,and many nieces, nephews and extended family. She will be greatly missed by a host of friends in various communities.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made in Diane's name to your favorite charitable organization or may be sent to the family in lieu of flowers.