Norma “Jean” Cottrell, 101, of Minden, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Bethany Home in Minden. Private family services will be held, and inurnment will take place at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska. Memorials in Jean’s honor are kindly suggested to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Minden or to Bethany Home in Minden. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Norma “Jean” Cottrell was born on January 21, 1925, in Marysville, Kansas to Frank and Ruby (Slama) Stoehr. She grew up and attended high school at Marysville, graduating with the class of 1943. Jean was united in marriage to Donald S. Dingman on March 29, 1946. The couple were blessed with two children: Donald, Jr. and Linda. Following her husband’s death, she supported her family by opening a café in Beatrice. Her family had a love for her wonderful cooking.

Jean was united in marriage to Paul H. Cottrell on December 16, 1975, at St. Patrick’s Church in Sparta, Kansas. They moved to Minden from Wisconsin in 1993. The couple recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Jean enjoyed playing bingo and had a love for dancing. Her favorite pastimes included playing games, watching cooking shows, and completing word search puzzles, and crosswords. She enjoyed celebrating her 100th birthday in 2025 and was surprised by visits from her extended family.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Paul Cottrell of Minden; daughter, Linda Holmes of Pennsylvania; daughter-in-law, Teresa “Terie” Dingman of Kearney; sister, Shirley Wiggert; three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson; as well as a host of extended relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Donald Dingman in 1974; son, Donald S. Dingman, Jr. in 2022; sister Jeanita and husband Keith Pedersen; and brother-in-law, Don Wiggert.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.