Dianne M. Connolly

Our beloved mother, and grandmother, Dianne Connolly, passed away with her family by her side on December 21, 2025. Dianne was a devoted and energetic grammy, who loved nothing more than being surrounded by her family. She was admired for her strength, courage, and love.

Dianne was born on February 24, 1946, in Omaha to Mildred and Gustav Johnson. She spoke often and lovingly about her childhood family trips to Otter Tail Lake in Minnesota, and about making Swedish pancakes with her father.

After graduating from Ryan High School in 1964, she started a career with Union Pacific Railroad. Recognizing her talents in the areas of math and sciences, she was promoted quickly to work as a programmer on their early computer systems. During this time, she pursued a degree and achieved a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration of Technical Service from Bellevue University. She enjoyed a long career with Union Pacific and retired in 2003. The highlight of her career was being chosen to pass the Olympic torch for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

After her retirement from Union Pacific, she started her “new career” of taking care of her grandchildren. She spent much of her time caring for, playing with, and loving her 15 grandchildren. In her spare time, she was a voracious reader, and was always in pursuit of learning more about her world. Her other talents and interests included cooking, crossword puzzles, Jeopardy, and traveling. She enjoyed traveling to California as often as she could to visit her brother and sister-in-law and family. In 2010, she was able to travel to Sweden to visit her father’s birthplace and meet many extended family members.

Her love and strength will live on through her family. She will be forever loved and missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Mildred and Gustav Johnson; brother: Tom Johnson; and daughter-in-law: Kathy (Messner) Connolly. She is survived by her four children: Kelly (Sam) Berggren, Shawn Connolly, Shea (Sandy) Connolly, and Casey (Amberly) Connolly; former husband: George Connolly; grandchildren: Jacob, Logan, Aidan, Ansley, Aslynn, Addy, Lucas, Ethan, Reagan, Ronan, Ryan, Brecklynn, Toryn, Truen and Edgar; brother: Gary (Michele) Johnson; and sister: Jeanine Johnson; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM Friday (1/9/2026) at Roeder Mortuary 11710 Standing Stone Dr. Gretna, NE.

In lieu of flowers memorials to Alzheimer's Association or "Susan G. Komen for the Cure"

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - Gretna Chapel - 11710 Standing Stone - Gretna, NE - 402-332-0090

www.RoederMortuary.com