Diann Muhlbach

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

Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Justin Bangert officiating. Burial followed at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Shelton. Memorials are suggested to the Literacy Council or the First Light Advocacy Center.

Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements; online condolences may be left at www. apfelfuneralhome.com.

Diann was born on August 17, 1943, at Grand Island, the daughter of Ralph and Joyce (Jess) Harder. She was on a farm north of Cairo 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.

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 as 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.