Dr. Paul Madison Dritley

Paul Madison Dritley passed away on December 27, 2022 after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer. Paul was born in Fremont, Nebraska on December 17, 1955 to Morace and Virginia (Carlson) Dritley. Paul discovered his gift for singing in 3rd grade when he tried out for a school talent show by singing “Trailer for Sale or Rent”. Paul continued singing his entire life…first in choirs at church and in school, later with the Master Singers and in many performances with local community theatre groups. When Paul finally talked his parents into getting him his dog, Mitsy, he soon knew that he wanted to be a veterinarian. Paul attended Fremont Senior High School, where he was active in both music and drama and also played football. Paul was a well-known and well-liked student and was named “All Around Boy” at graduation. After graduation, Paul attended Kansas State University for both his undergraduate studies as well as earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Paul met his wife, LuAnn (Sawyer) Dritley in Junior High. They dated all through high school and were married on June 5, 1976. Together they had 4 daughters. Upon graduation from Veterinary School, Paul and LuAnn moved to Elkhorn. Paul worked at the Verner Veterinary Clinic in Fremont and then Chance Ridge Veterinary Clinic and finally at the Elkhorn Animal Hospital, where Paul finished his veterinary career. He was known and truly loved by all of his clients for the tender care that he gave his patients. He understood that the pets he treated were a part of the family and loved being a part of that relationship. After retirement, Paul and LuAnn set out to see the world and for 7 years took many wonderful trips where they saw the beauty of God’s earth, made lots of friends and basked in the joy of just being together. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and infant granddaughter, Sasha McIlwain. He is survived by his wife, LuAnn, daughters, Jen (Perry) Rehn, Amy Dritley, Emily (Tyler) Hughes, Stephanie (Iain) McIlwain, and 10 grandchildren; EJ, Joshua, Nathan and Christopher Rehn, Cameron Lambirth, Madison, Gabrielle and Grayson Hughes, Lila and Noah McIlwain; all of Omaha. He is also survived by his two sisters, Nancy (Jack) French of Maricopa, Arizona and Jackie (Mark) Schultz of Pawnee Rock, Kansas and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Christ Community Church.

Dr. Paul Madison Dritley

December 17, 1955 - December 27, 2022