Obituaries

Diana Blanche Dierberg

Diana Blanche Dierberg of New Melle, Missouri, passed from this life on December 12, 2022.

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Dear daughter of the late Mary Irene and Edward V. Dierberg. Beloved sister to Donna Dierberg Kasten (Gary); brother, Forrest “Woody” Dierberg; cherished aunt to Krista Woelfel (John); Matthew Kasten (Ali); Jason Dierberg (Adrienne). Loving great-aunt to Jenna, Jeremy, Jessica Woelfel, Trinity Kasten, Fern and Skye Dierberg. Dear cousin to Clara Doerr, Dottie Baggett, and Cecilia Cloughly, and their families in Texas and California. Loved by many dear and devoted friends that she counted as family.

Diana graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a minor in history from Southeast Missouri State College. As Diana worked at Maryville University as Director of Human Resources, she attended nights to get her elementary education certificate, and later earned a Master of Education Administration from University of Missouri at St. Louis. It made Diana smile to think that she could be a teacher and be principal at the same school at the same time.

She absolutely loved history, particularly that of the United States. Diana could talk at length about American history, President Lincoln, Lewis and Clark, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. She did extensive research on some of her favorite historical topics or places, frequently read novels of the history of the United States, and even collected White House ornaments for decades. All of her possessions that filled every corner and wall of her home had a story and a unique history.

For over 30 years, Diana lived in a 1840s log cabin that was moved from its original location to her six acres outside of New Melle. She entertained family and a great many friends in this cabin, and her creative talent for seasonal decorating surpassed everyone. Diana’s upside-down tree on Christmas Eve gave her family a taste of magic, and the scarecrows in autumn were legendary. The magic extended to the front porch of this cabin when it hosted the wedding of one of her closest friends who became family, Bill Henderson (Enna).

Diana’s varied interests included being a member of the 1904 World’s Fair Society, actively serving her rural community church, and weaving 150 baskets over a decade to make as gifts to special friends and family. She traveled extensively to places such as Ireland, England, France, Canada, the Caribbean, China, and 48 states. Diana created cherished memories by hosting fun family trips to California, Florida, and western national parks. She will be remembered for her exceptional understanding of people, wise counsel to many, and her tact and loyalty. Diana’s career took her people skills to the heights of employee negotiations as Director of Human Resources at Maryville University. Later at Scottrade, she initiated and coordinated the beginning of the Intern Program, encouraging college students across the country to begin careers and connecting with them on a higher level. Never afraid to conquer a new assignment, she fulfilled her posts with a great deal of employee loyalty and always made new, lifetime friends. Always

It is said that her love of cats came from her Aunt Bernice, and she lived every year of her adult life with one or more cats. Diana was a magnet for the orphaned kitty yearning for love and a good petting.

Although Diana survived 11 major surgeries for cancer, heart, and joint replacement, she had a full and happy life. She refused to be defined by an illness. Everyone who knew Diana will agree that her optimistic tenacity for life was a leading factor in her recoveries and an inspiration to all. She loved being an aunt and great-aunt. Diana understood and loved people, and they loved her. Diana loved life.

After cremation, friends and family will participate in a Celebration of Life to be held in Diana’s honor in Spring 2023. To organize this event for so many caring folks, a secured link has been created for us to provide future information for this celebration: https://tinyurl.com/dierbergcelebration

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Diana’s name may be made to: 

Clowder House Foundation, St. Louis' first and only sanctuary for domestic felines, providing lifetime care for your cat or cats when you are no longer able to do so www.clowderhouse.org. Clowder House Foundation, Inc., 3134 Wyoming Street, St. Louis, MO 63118. Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic, Inc., exists to respond to the rehabilitation needs of sick, injured and orphaned Missouri mammals, and releases healthy wildlife back into its natural environment. 1864 Little Brennan Road, High Ridge, MO 63049. Phone: 636-677-3670. www.wildliferehabclinic.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an environmental non-profit agency that protects and helps save endangered lands, waters and wild species. www.nature.org/en-us/membership-and-giving/donate-to-our-mission/other-ways-to-give. Phone: 800-628-6860.