Annetta Dienst Obituary

Dienst

Annetta "Ann" Joan

(Nelson ) Dienst

September 10, 1931

November 29, 2021



You couldn't count all those indebted to Ann Dienst for that uncharacteristic little "whim" of a move to Colorado Springs back in 1954. Born in Staunton, WI, raised in Owatonna, MN, all indications placed Annetta Nelson, a staunch, full-blooded Norwegian, forever close to family roots and her small town. Oh, but the call of those Colorado mountains! A friend easily twisted her arm to move to the Pikes Peak Region where excellent secretarial skills (about a hundred words a minute!) landed her a job in a real estate office under Thelma Williams. Lovely Ann, with her large deep brown eyes, also quickly landed the affections of her boss's son, Gene Dienst. It didn't take long for him to see in Ann the stability he had so desired in his turbulent upbringing.

Ann's parents, Victor and Alvina, had demonstrated resourcefulness with sometimes very little to work with: food never wasted, available meat always safely cooked well-done; and not a penny wasted. This was combined with an unshakable reverence for and dependence on their Savior, Jesus, and a home filled with singing and music. These qualities shown brightly in Ann; and Gene thanked those irresistible Rockies as he soon proposed marriage. On January 21, 1955, the two were quietly married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, NM so as not to burden Ann's family with an expensive trip to Colorado.

With Gene employed at Ent Airforce Base, the Diensts established their home in Security, Colorado; and in raising three children, Ann's firm but loving hand and strong opinions structured their home: watch every penny, purchase practical furnishings, but never skimp on appliances or Christmas presents. The kitchen and family menu were always hers to carefully administer: her signature goulash, extremely well-done ham on holidays, and no sweet cereals (Fruit Loops were for Granny's house). Just as familiar was the sound of her warm alto singing voice. She offered novelty songs, Americana, 40's pops, hymns… Always a song on Ann Dienst's lips.

When the kids were old enough, she worked as secretary at Immanuel Lutheran School, Colorado Springs for over thirty years (and of course forbade by her very presence any of them ever needing to visit the principal's office). She mastered use of the computer in the 1990s; and later used this skill as an accountant for Simpich Character Dolls in Old Colorado City.

Loyal to a fault, Ann was mysteriously steadfast in her affections—her compliments infrequent, and therefore greatly prized. Family activities and achievements were affectionately followed—stored and remembered quietly in her heart. Ann's deepest pride was in her Norwegian heritage; her warmest smile reserved for her beloved Gene. Her faith in Christ was first and foremost.

Her husband was again thankful to share that irresistible Colorado mountain range in their later years: macular degeneration nearly destroyed her closeup vision, but the panoramic front range, wonderfully visible from their home, remained as sharp as ever.

A list could not be made of those directly and indirectly shaped by Ann's move to this mountain region years ago. But for eldest son, Michael, daughter, Debby (Simpich), son, Timothy; for daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, son-in-law, David; for grandchildren Kemper (Emily), Elisabeth (Chase), Gwendolyn (Jack), and Toby; great grandkids, Cannon, Mary, Wren, Scout, and Rawlins (born on Ann's ninetieth birthday!); for beloved sister Marie and Minnesota family, including niece Suanne and her children Brandon, Peyton, Aaron, and Gabrielen; for special caregiver Karen Amens; for honorary family Kim, Shirley, Kimberly and Michael Robinson her life and gifts have shaped and established so much of who they are. They will forever extend deep love and thanksgiving for this irreplaceable matriarch.

As Gene passed away this last July, it seems he gently nudged his "Annie" to make her own unexpected move far away… really her first since 1954. There's a new and infinitely more beautiful range they behold together now.

A Memorial Service will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 4444 Moonbeam Dr, January 6, 2022 at 1:00 P.M.