Diane Kugler

     Heaven gained a brilliant light and earth lost a beautiful soul when Gloria “Diane” Kugler passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loved ones, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. She was 95 years young.

     Born on July 25, 1931, in Nelson, Nebraska, Diane was the beloved only child of Ivan and Ethel (Stahn) Manning. Raised in Cambridge, Nebraska, she was an active student and proudly performed at the Nebraska State Fair with the Cambridge Midget Drum Corps. After her family relocated to Trenton, Nebraska, Diane graduated from Trenton High School with the Class of 1948.

     She furthered her education at Doane College, where she joined the P.E.O. Sisterhood and the Order of the Eastern Star. She went on to attend the University of Nebraska, earning her Bachelor of Science in Education alongside her Teaching Certificate. However, it was during her time at Doane that the most defining chapter of her life began: meeting her true love, Russell D. Kugler, who was attending UNL at the time.

     On October 19, 1952, Russ and Diane were united in marriage at the First Methodist Church in Trenton. Following a brief move to Rapid City for Russ’s career in the petroleum industry, the couple returned to Culbertson, Nebraska. There, they dedicated themselves to the family business and raising their two sons, John and Mike. Possessing a tender heart for animals, Diane famously acted as a surrogate mother to various rescued "Kugler Zoo babies" in the family’s basement.

     In the late 1960s, the family moved to McCook. As her boys grew, Diane worked as a substitute teacher for both the Culbertson and McCook school districts. She cherished the role—not only for the joy of teaching, but because it gave her the perfect opportunity to keep a watchful, loving eye on her sons. Summers were filled with unforgettable family road trips to Southern California to visit her sister-in-law, Lillian, spending long, joyful days on the beach. With a sharp eye for modern aesthetics, Diane also partnered with a close friend to open an interior design studio, sharing her creative talents with the community. Her compassionate spirit extended throughout the neighborhood as well; she and her neighbor, Linda Hedges, made sure no stray cat went hungry, leading to more than a few lucky felines finding a permanent home with Diane.

     Russ and Diane shared a deep passion for travel, exploring beautiful corners of the world together. Following Russ’s passing in 1991, Diane kept her adventurous spirit alive by taking her grandchildren, Max and Kelcia, on cherished cruise vacations. During this time, she also stepped into the role of CEO at the Kugler Company. Guided by profound insight, steadfast character, and a tireless work ethic, she successfully steered the legacy organization founded in 1924. True to her approachable nature, she was a daily presence at the office, always maintaining an open door.

     A woman of deep faith and lifelong service, Diane was a devoted member of Memorial United Methodist Church. She also gave generously of her time to numerous local organizations, most notably the McCook Humane Society and the YMCA.

     Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan and Ethel Manning; her beloved husband, Russ Kugler; and her son, John Kugler.

     Her remarkable legacy lives on through her loving family: son, Mike Kugler, and his wife, Dianne, of McCook; her daughter-in-law, Jennifer, of McCook; her grandchildren, Kelcia Kugler, Laura (Scott) Franssen, and Max (Angelique) Kugler; her step-grandchildren, Ashley (Geoff) Langenberg and Jessica (Todd) Shriner; her great-grandchildren, Ian, Jaden, Bastet, Ethan, Parker, Molly, and Janey; and her niece, Cindy Kugler. Her memory will be forever cherished by her colleagues at the Kugler Company, many dear friends—including Betty, Sharon, Lavera, Patsy, Jackie, Denise, and Kathy—and the countless lives she touched.

     Her family is deeply grateful to the many compassionate caregivers who brought her comfort, especially the dedicated teams at Home Instead and Angels Care Hospice.

     Diane's family will greet friends on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.

     Memorial services are scheduled for 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Memorial Methodist Church in McCook. Burial in the Culbertson Cemetery will follow services.

     Memorials in Diane's name are suggested to the Memorial Methodist Church in McCook or to the McCook Humane Society. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.