Service Information
Shirley Dibb, age 93, of Glencoe, formerly of Lester Prairie, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Glencoe Regional Health Services in Glencoe, Minnesota.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11:00 A.M., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, Minnesota, with interment in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 24, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 P.M., and will continue one hour prior to the service ALL at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie.
Funeral Service will be livestreamed via the church’s website at www.stpaullp.org.
Obituary
Shirley Pauline (Machemehl) Dibb was born on November 6, 1931, in Glencoe, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Conrad and Elsie (Tonn) Machemehl. Shirley was baptized as an infant and was confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie. She attended the District 10 Country School, St. Peter’s Parochial School, and the Lester Prairie High School. While in high school, she was active in the choir, drama club, speech club, cheerleading, and much more. Shirley was a graduate of the Lester Prairie High School class of 1948. Her dream was to go into the medical field and her dream came true when she was hired by Dr. John Smyth. She assisted Dr. Smyth for 33 years. After his death, Shirley furthered her education to become a CNA, NAR & Unit Coordinator while at Glencoe Regional Health Center for 7 ½ years.
Shirley was married to Wallace “Wally” Dibb on June 24, 1950. They were blessed with four sons, Kraig, Keith, Kirk and Kent. After her marriage, she became a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie and served in the choir, taught Bible Study, Sunday School, VBS and was on many committees. She served in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League for over 60 years. She held many offices in the local, zone and conference level. She volunteered in the community for several events such as the Bloodmobile, School and City reunions, City Park, Lester Prairie Task Force, etc. Shirley served on the Lester Prairie High School Board for four years. Because of her volunteering, she received a Lester Prairie Commander Award in 2014. Later that year, she was given a WCCO Good Neighbor Award.
Her home was always open to her sons’ friends who would call her “Ma.” She and Wally served as youth counselors of the St. Paul Active Christian Teens for 11 years. The children were always welcomed in their home to plan camping trips, Bible Studies, pot lucks, etc.
She was a woman of deep faith and enjoyed attending Bible Studies and served her church in many ways. Later when she was unable to attend the church services, she would watch it on Facebook. She read her devotions and Bible daily. Spending her last years at Orchard Estates with her fun family gave her joy every day. She was ready to rejoice in God’s Kingdom when the time came.
Shirley passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Glencoe Regional Health in Glencoe at the age of 93 years. Blessed be her memory.
Shirley is survived by her loving family:
Sons, Kraig Dibb and his wife, Mary of Cohasset, MN,
Keith Dibb and his wife, Jill of Cape Coral, FL,
Kirk Dibb and his wife, Brenda of Winona, MN, and
Kent Dibb and his wife, Susan of Litchfield, MN;
Grandchildren, Chris (Molly) Dibb of Valdes, AK, Kyle (Jenn) Dibb of Milwaukee, WI, Dylan (Brittany) Dibb of Shakopee, MN, Andy (Tosh) Dibb of Cross Lake, MN, Paige (Matt) Anderson of Duluth, MN, Hannah (Shawn) Dewitt of Vadnais Heights, MN;
Great-grandchildren, Eli and Ethan Anderson, Kavik and Archer Dibb, Kaylee (Jeff) Rux and Maddox, Willa and Teal Arneson;
Brother and Sister-in-law, Ralph Machemehl and his wife, Donna;
Brother-in-law, Lyle Dibb;
Many wonderful Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Shirley was preceded in death by her Husband, Wally Dibb; Parents, Conrad and Elsie Machemehl; Parents-in-law, Earl and Sylvia Dibb; Sister, Irma Smith; Brothers and Sisters-in-law, Louis Machemehl and his wife, Marvanna, Earl Machemehl and his wife, Betty, Earl Dibb and his wife, June, Douglas Dibb and his wife, Arlene; Brothers-in-law, Ardin Gutzman and Bill Smith.
Lois Raduenz says
So sorry to hear about Shirley. I saw a truly wonderful and dedicated Christian in her. She was often in church doing something for the Lord. I can almost hear God saying, well done, thou good and faithful servant. May God comfort you in your sorrow.
Dave Prehn says
My sincere condolences to the Dibb family, heaven has gain an angel, and earth has lost a remarkable lovely lady.
Kay (Konerza) Bachert says
The angels are rejoicing, & I’m certain Shirley heard the highest of all compliments, “Well done good and faithful servant!” Growing up, y’all welcomed me into your home & Shirley was like a 2nd mom to me. I will always treasure her Godly example, discipline in a good way & authentic motherly love. Heaven got another good one & I’m thankful through accepting Jesus into our hearts we can join she, Wally & my Dad one day! Our heartfelt condolences to “my brothers”.
“God Bless & Our Love,”
Kay?
(On behalf of Garrett, Keziah, Jezreel, Mikyla & Gabriel along with my Mom (Arlene) and sister (Lori)
Colleen Studniski says
Please accept my sincere condolences for all of the family. She was a grand woman.
Judith Unglaub says
Lived next to Shirley for years, best neighbor anyone could have. I have missed having her close, a truly good, loving person. My condolences to her family.
Susie Olson Rolf says
Shirley was “a ROLL MODEL CHRISTIAN” FOR OUR CHUR H AND COMMUNITY. SO GLAD SHE WAS BORN!
Lori Santillo ( Machemehl) says
My beautiful and Special Aunt Shirley. It was a huge blessing to have you as my aunt. Thanksgiving and Christmas with the whole family was always very memorable. I treasured you and Uncle Wally teaching Bible Studies to all the teenagers growing up. What a Godly woman to take after! I will miss talking to you and celebrating our birthday close together.
You truly are an angel. Lots of Love Aunt Shirley
Barb Magnuson says
It was a privilege to work with Shirley at Glencoe Hospital. She was the epitome of compassion, warmth, & patience- an example to all around her. She will be sorely missed but will be rejoicing with our Savior.
Michael Edwin Simonds says
Roxanne Kuhlmann Simonds of Winsted Minnesota formerly of Lester Prairie sends love to Shirleys family Roxanne Simonds is a professional Artist, Pottery and Ceramics, believed one of Shirleys son is a Potter you know a ceramic Artist. We are planning on going to the funeral on Saturday morning. As a Christian, we have hope beyond death itself through the cross and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Heaven is not our final destination. If you Read Revelation chapters 19 and twenty Twenty three. There’s a new heaven and a new Earth. And this time we can’t mess it up. The Rev Michael Edwin Simonds of Minnesota USA
Kay Zellmer says
I had the great pleasure of working with Shirley a couple years at Glencoe Area Health Center. She was one of the most lovely ladies I’ve ever met. Her sincere warmth was so welcoming to everyone she came in contact with. It is such a blessing to have known her. My condolences to her family.
Arla Huser says
Our prayers go out to the Dibb boys and families. Shirley was a beautiful lady inside and out. Thinking of you at this sad time!
David and Arla Huser
Bill Kuhlmann says
Shirley and Wally were both wonderful presences in my life growing up. I will remember them both always. My sympathies to her family.
Dan Gueningsman says
Condolences to the Dibb Family!!! Shirley was a great woman of Faith!!! Remember so distinctly how awesome and FUN it was to go youth group between services. Shirley and Wally taught our youth many valuable life lessons through Faith.
God Bless!!!
Dan Gueningsman
Cathy Houg says
Prayers for the family of Shirley Dibb. What a remarkable women, so talented and always giving of her time and energy.
Dan Gueningsman says
Condolences to the Dibb Family!!! Shirley was a Christian woman to look up too. Remember her, especially for Shirley and Wally leading our youth group and teaching us many life lessons; they, both made it informative and FUN!!!
God Bless!!!
Dan Gueningsman
Linda (Ernst) White says
Ruben and Virginia (Dammann) Ernst send their condolences to the Dibb family. Our family’s thoughts and prayers are for you as you gather to celebrate Shirley’s life. I spoke to Virginia this morning and she shared stories of fun times playing cards over the years and attending Bible study with Shirley. She will be missed.
Nancy Ellefson says
I knew Shirley at Orchard Estates. She was a wonderful woman, warm and welcoming, wise and happy. May she rest in peace.
Ron Rolf says
To all you guys. I was sorry to hear of your Ma’s passing but you were blessed to have her as long as you did. Y’all turned out great which is a reflection on your Ma. Sending my sincere condolences to everyone. God bless and RIP Shirley. Ron Rolf