Joan E Diedrich

Joan was born on April 12, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois to Herbert and Anne (Simmonds) Elsholz. After graduating from St. Scholastica Academy, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Marquette University, and also earned a Master’s Degree later in her life from the University of Denver.

Joan enjoyed a long career in Special Education beginning as a Speech and Language Pathologist in Wisconsin and following a move to Colorado in 1978, in time, served as Executive Director of Student Services at Englewood Schools for 20 years, where she was recognized by her peers as a mentor and strong advocate of students with disabilities.

Joan was an avid reader and longtime fan of Danielle Steel novels among many other authors. She enjoyed knitting, visiting with her friends and coloring her monthly calendar. Originally a Chicago Bears fan, she also cheered for the Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who she referred to a “God’s Team.” She enjoyed country music, but her all-time favorite was Frank Sinatra. She often told her children that when she passed she wanted everyone to enjoy a glass of fine scotch and play “I did it my way” at her memorial service.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Barbara Monahan, and husband William (Bill) Diedrich. She is survived by her daughters Leslie Schaus and Kirsten Kreiling, and grandchildren Sydney Schaus, Taylor Kreiling, Sam Schaus, Hailey Kreiling and Spencer Kreiling.

A Celebration of Life will be on January 27, 2023 at Our Lady of Fatima in Lakewood, Colorado, followed by an Open House at the home of Leslie Schaus. Donations can be made to the Englewood Education Foundation.

Memorial donations may be made to: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/EnglewoodEducationFoundation