Loretta Meitl

Loretta Marie (Diederich) Meitl was born in the family farmhouse on September 19, 1931 in Dresden, KS to Bernadine (Schroer) and Bernard Diederich. She passed from this life on May 12, 2015 in Wichita, KS at the age of 83 years from multiple health issues. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernadine (Schroer) and Bernard Diederich; her brothers, Jim, Carl, Bob, Norbert and Johnny Diederich; her husband, Ernest A. Meitl; her son, Lawrence Meitl and infant daughter, Linda Ann Meitl. She is survived by daughters, Sharon Bernard, of Los Angeles, CA; and Janine Sattler, of Derby, KS; sons, Dennis (Lynda) Meitl,of Colby, KS; and Duane (Nancy) Meitl, of Rush Center, KS. She was also the proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren: Rebecca Aguiar; Tanya and Gabriel Bernard, all of Los Angeles, CA; Justin and Adam Meitl of Colby, KS; Jennifer Conrad of Lawrence, KS; and Rhonda Hughes of Boston, MA; Jacob Sattler of Derby, KS; Cassie Ladner of League City, TX; Hannah Clark; Caleb and Audrey Sattler all of Derby, KS and 8 great-grandchildren: Arya and Edan Aguiar; Hayden, Gwendolyn, Lillian and Daisy Sattler; Theodore Clark and Dominique Conrad. Two sisters, Rose (Jed) Simoneau, of Cody, WY; Virginia (Danny) Rome, of Denver, CO and her brother, Tom (Cheryl) Diederich of Lenora, KS; two sisters-in-law, Maxine Diederich of Hays, KS and Jeanice Simoneau of Denver, CO. Loretta attended Prairie Center School (grades 1-8) and 2 years of high school in the Selden community and graduated from Jennings High School in 1949. After graduation she worked as a telephone operator until she married Ernest A. Meitl on August 23, 1950. They made their home on farms south and east of Allison, KS; raising wheat, corn and cattle. Loretta embraced the role as farm wife and mother, and was an active member of the church community at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Almelo, KS; where they were married and baptized all of their six children. She contributed greatly as a member of the St. Ann’s Altar Society in all of the church events and spent many afternoons quilting with the members of “Circle #4”. Loretta loved music, and in her youth accompanied her mother, Bernadine, who played the piano at many wedding dances and other community celebrations. Loretta played drums and it was at one of these dances that Ernie and Loretta first met. Her beautiful blue eyes also captured his attention (Ernie would add). She encouraged all of her children to learn to play musical instruments and perform at school and church events. Loretta also sang in church choirs at New Almelo and Colby, where she and Ernie moved after selling the family farm in 1979. Ernie and Loretta were active members of the square dancing group called “The Mixed-Up Squares” and would lead the Grand March at many wedding dances. Her love of dancing continued with a line dancing group called, “The Senior Shufflers” who would perform for various groups and organizations. Loretta also enjoyed being a member of a singing group called “Young at Heart” who performed in Colby to the delight of many at the nursing homes, retirement center and senior center. One of the most memorable traits Loretta possessed was her love of laughter. Family reunions were typically fun-loving, with lots of jokes and hilarious stories told. The Diederich humor is famous for its pervasive infectious nature, and has been successfully passed down through the generations. Loretta made the world a happier place with her pleasant attitude and sweet nature. She felt happiest being of service to others and was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors. Loretta took pride in her work as the housecleaner of both parish rectories at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Almelo and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby, KS. Loretta was very creative and enjoyed many crafts besides quilting, toll painting, needlework, and sewing (in addition to the regular patching that went on to salvage work jeans and kids’ torn clothing). If someone had to choose just ONE of her favorite dishes, it would have to be her signature homemade cinnamon rolls. Food was always delicious in Loretta’s kitchen and brought us all together like a magnet. The family farm also supported a vegetable garden that fed us year-round as canning season ensured food on the pantry shelf. She took delight in her flower garden that surrounded a rock grotto she built in honor of the Virgin Mary. She loved purple irises, gladiolas of all colors, zinnias and big-blossomed peonies. Tulips brought on the springtime and multi-colored mums ushered in the fall. Loretta was the key historian in gathering and recording family histories for both the Diederich and the Meitl side of the family’s ancestry. For this the descendants are eternally and generationally grateful as she has given them the opportunity to discover not only where they have come from, but in so many respects, whom they are today. Being of service to others was a key focus in Loretta’s life. She was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby. With the support of her and other volunteers from Sacred Heart Parish, the Third Age Ministry became an “opportunity to fulfill their sharing responsibility.” Loretta was the President of this group that ministered to nursing homes in the Colby area. The vision statement pretty well summed up their mission: “Older people are often lonely. An act of kindness, consideration and encouragement to such people is an effective act of care and concern.” Other ministries in the church included being an active member of the Funeral Dinner Committee who organize and serve funeral dinners. She was a member of the Ladies Altar Society and Queen Mary Circle. She took a prayerful role in weekly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Loretta will fondly be remembered for her strong and abiding faith. Her life was centered on her family, the church, prayer and sharing time with friends. In her later years, Loretta was known to say when faced with adversities, or things she just wasn’t able to change, “Well, that’s just the way it is.” It’s very much like her Grandmother Helena Diederich’s philosophy on life. Also, her faith in God and praying the rosary always carried her through. Her ability to adapt to situations, and persevere regardless of challenges faced gave her the resolve to lead a life full of purpose and contentment. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 14, 2015 from 2-8 pm at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel, Colby, with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Funeral Mass is Friday, May 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby and the burial is at 2:00 pm at Calvary Cemetery in Leoville, KS. A memorial has been established in her name to be designated at a later date. Memorials can be sent in care of Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel, 745 South Country Club Drive, Colby, Kansas 67701.