Diane L. Telfer, age 61, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Ottawa, passed away unexpectedly on July 12 at University Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday July 19 at noon at St. Francis of Assisi Church with Reverend David Kipfer celebrating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday July 18 at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with prayers at 1:45 p.m. Pallbearers will be her nieces and nephews: Sarah Kahon, Jenni Hughes, Dan Ostby Jr., Bryan Gansen, Hayden Gansen, R.J. Cherry, Nicole Ramza, Jessica Tetter, Melissa Willingham, and Stephanie Willingham. Honorary Pallbearers will be her great nieces and nephews: Dylan Gansen, Sydney Gansen, Nevaeh Margherio, Zander Margherio, Hadley Hughes, Harper Hughes and Kennedi Kahon.
Diane was born June 27, 1960 in Ottawa, Illinois, a daughter of William and Leota (Studebaker) Telfer. Surviving are her sisters, Marilyn Ostby of Ottawa, Jan Ramza of Bettendorf, Iowa and Nancy (Charlie) Biffany of Ottawa; a stepsister, Penny (Bill) Willingham; and a step-brother, Bob Olsen. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Michael Telfer, sister-in-law, Juanita Telfer, brother-in-law Dan Ostby Sr., a great niece, Trista Margherio, a cousin, John Cherry, an aunt, Marie Telfer, her stepfather, Bob Olsen Sr., and her dear friend and mentor, Howard Clark.
Diane was employed as a broker for Holmes-Murphy Insurance and was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church. She dearly loved time spent with her family. She will be remembered for her giving heart and selflessness for her family which was her greatest joy. Diane was an organ donor and was able to donate the gift of sight to help others and for research.
She was laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.