Dietrich Schweers, age 90, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Salem Lutheran Church in Ponca, Nebraska, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Ponca City Cemetery, with a luncheon served at Salem Lutheran Church following the graveside service.

Dietrich was born on October 14, 1935, on the original Schweers family farm. He was a twin and the second-born. Raised on the farm, Dietrich cared for hogs, chickens, cows, and sheep, some of which he raised for 4-H. A lifelong farmer, he was a strong, hardworking, and simple man who took pride in his family, his farm, and his community.

In 1952, Dietrich traveled to Germany with George to visit family. He met Verna Joy in 1960, and after a 90-day courtship, they were married at Salem Lutheran Church. They shared 59½ years of marriage and built a life rooted in love, hard work, and family.

Dietrich served on the church council and as Clerk of Otter Creek Township beginning in 1970, continuing in that role for more than 40 years. He also served as the township’s maintenance driver for 12 years. In 1967, he began working as a custom hay windrower, a job that reflected his strong work ethic and connection to the farming community.

Dietrich will be lovingly remembered by his children, Lisa (Steve) Mollenhauer of Pueblo West, Colorado; Derrick (Marcella) Schweers of Ponca, Nebraska; Lora (Jerry) Truesdell of Osgood, Indiana; Theresa (David) Navrkal of Elk Point, South Dakota; and Kathryn (Doyle) Fischer of Tea, South Dakota.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Amanda Dodson; Kimberly Mollenhauer (Steven Coauette); Sarah (Kory) Erickson; Tyler (Amanda) Schweers; Mattie Schweers; Abby (Jyde) Reid; Grace Truesdell; Dakota (Colee) Navrkal; and Devin Fischer; and his great-grandchildren, Ethan, Matthew, and Anna Schweers, and Delilah Fischer. He is further survived by his brother, John (Helen) Schweers, and his sister, Margrete Armstrong.

Dietrich was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Verna Joy Schweers; his parents, George and Mathilde Schweers; his brother, Hermann Schweers; his sister, Liz Cwach; and his grandson, Dylan Fischer.

He was a man with a steady strength, gracious spirit, and deep devotion to family, faith, and farm life, Dietrich will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.