Roberta J “Bobbie” Dietrich also known as “the back-scratching grandma”, passed away peacefully Dec. 12, in her room at Assumption Home in Cold Spring, MN while surrounded by family. She was formerly of Becker.

 

Bobbie was born Nov. 19, 1929 to Herbert and Florence Cochrane. She grew up in Aberdeen, SD where she graduated from Aberdeen Central HS in 1947 and attended Northern State University. There she met a rough and  tumble rodeo cowboy named Martin Dietrich who swept her off her two left feet and they married in 1955. Bobbie was a selfless, loving, fun-loving wife, mother of two, grandmother of six, and foster parent of five. She also pinch-hit as a stand-in mother to children of all ages everywhere she called home.

 

Bobbie was employed by Northern States Power in Aberdeen, SD, was secretary to the mayor of Aberdeen, and was a secretary at 1st National Bank in Groton, SD.

 

Bobbie was a member of the Church of Christ, Scientist. She gave to the community by volunteering as a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader, and as an emergency medical technician. She volunteered at the library and the elementary school. She was an adult literacy tutor. She sat on the women’s golf committee, was involved with the Credit Women’s Breakfast Club and the Greenfield Business Women. She enjoyed many activities including bridge, golf, bowling, and treasure collecting.

 

Bobbie is survived by her husband Martin Dietrich, daughter TyLynn Theis and her husband Steve Theis, son Doug Dietrich, grandchildren Adam Theis and his wife Liz Theis, Matt Theis, Danna Theis, Becky Dietrich and her husband Joe Fine, John Dietrich, Jake Dietrich, siblings Joan Caven, Georgia Anderson, Herb Cochrane and Jackie Reed, foster sons Kevin Langager & Jake Rantanen, and foster daughters Nancy Daniels, Doris Johnson and Tammy Jackels.

 

Bobbie was preceded in death by parents Herbert and Francis Cochrane, siblings Fran Adair, Paula Gallipo, and Pat Borchers.

 

Bobbie’s family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the loving care given by the staff of the Assumption Home over the last years of her life and for the gentle kindness shown by Heartland Hospice to Bobbie and her family in her final moments.

 

Visitation was at the Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring Sun., Dec. 15 and Monday from 9-10:15 a.m.  A memorial service was 10:30 a.m. Mon. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are requested to send donations to either the American Diabetes Association or the Dakota Boy’s and Girl’s Ranch.

 

Arrangements are with the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring, MN.