Dr. Colleen Willert Dilley, 84 years, of Fremont, NE, passed away on October 30, 2024, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE.

Colleen was born on December 26, 1939, to Everett W. and Blanche M. (Lapcheska) Willert, in Geneva, NE. Colleen and her family lived in Bruning, NE, and moved to Potter, NE, at the age of two. When she turned nine, her family moved to Wayne, NE, where her father was superintendent of Wayne Public Schools. Colleen was a 1957 graduate of Wayne High School, graduating at the top of her class. Following high school, she attended Midland Lutheran College in Fremont where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. On June 23, 1963, Colleen married Dr. Roger Dilley at Bethel Lutheran Church in Omaha, NE. She furthered her education at UNMC for medical school, graduating in 1965, being one of the only females in her graduating class, and eventually specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Prior to her residencies, Colleen worked with her husband in a family practice in Wisner, NE. Her residencies were in Tuscon, AZ, and Hawaii, finishing in Omaha. Colleen began practicing in Fremont with Dr. Howard Yost, and became a board certified ObGyn. She delivered thousands of babies, earning many honors during her nearly 50 year career. Colleen retired in 2014.

Over the years, managing a busy work schedule, Colleen was always there for her three children. She and Roger welcomed many foreign exchanged students into their home, building life-long relationships with them. She was an excellent cook, amazing decorator, dedicated community and church volunteer, a patron of the arts, and had a passion for history. She was a die-hard Nebraska Cornhusker fan and active in the Republican Party. In 1978, Colleen and her husband had an opportunity to purchase and renovate the R.B. Schneider House which dates back to 1887, and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the family home to this day. Colleen was a member of PEO, Altrusa, Daughters of the American Revolution, Habitat for Humanity, and a TeamMates mentor. She was known for being a skilled bridge player and belonged to several bridge clubs.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roger; and sister, Sharon (William) Apking.

She is survived by daughters: Carolyn (Brian) Dempsey, and Catherine Dilley (Kobi Assa); son, Chris Dilley; sister, Holly Willert; and grandchildren: Sam, Calder, Austen, Uriya, and Rafael.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Fremont, NE. Pastor Greg DeBoer will officiate. Visitation with family receiving friends will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m., at the church.

Burial will take place at Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park in Omaha, NE.

Memorials may be directed to the PEO scholarship fund, First Lutheran Church in Fremont, and Midland University.

Source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/fremonttribune/name/colleen-dilley-obituary?id=56734653