"Hi, I could not believe the news.Very sorry to loose one of the persons I really admired and liked.Her courage and outlook for life was exemplary .I will miss her very much. My sincere sympathies to Jay and Family. manasi nadkarni"
In loving memory of
Diane S. Elbert
November 14, 1955 - February 22, 2013
Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the Diane S. Elbert Memorial Fund which will be used to the benefit of Bishop Garrigan Schools in her memory.
Diane Shirley (Roethler) Elbert was born November 14, 1955, in Algona one of 10 children of Kenneth and Dolores (Kollasch) Roethler. She grew up in Algona attending St. Cecelia Catholic Grade School and graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School in 1974. Di then attended Iowa Lakes Community College later graduating from Briar Cliff College. She was married to Jay Elbert on September 4, 1976, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona.
Di worked in earlier years at the Emmetsburg Newspaper, Iowa Ag Statistics, and Home Federal as well as helping on the farm. In 1985, she began working full time at Bishop Garrigan School in the Development Office. She was instrumental in the success of school annual fundraising events such as GALA and the calendar sales. Di put her entire heart and soul into bettering Bishop Garrigan Schools and Catholic education.
Di's extraordinary energy, positive attitude and love for life were obvious to everyone that met her. Di was an amazing mother to her three sons and she loved watching them grow into adults. A dedicated grandma who enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren, along with her husband and three sons they were the center of her world. She lived life to its fullest embracing every chance available to touch someone's life. She loved helping Jay and the boys on the farm. Di was the centerpiece of the wheel in the farming operation that couldn't turn without her level headed organization. She enjoyed family get togethers, Canada fishing trips, going camping, retail therapy (shopping), creating art, and gardening. She also enjoyed chardonnay wine, vacationing on the beaches of Mexico and Europe, snowstorms and two hour late-starts. She was a fighter, always beating the odds, never giving up and never taking no for an answer.
Diane Elbert died Friday, February 22, 2013, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN at the age of 57 after an 11 year courageous battle with breast cancer.
She is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Jay Elbert of Whittemore; three sons, Tony (Katie) Elbert of Emmetsburg and grandchildren Riley and Rory, Neal (Heather) Elbert of Algona and step-grandchildren, Trevor, Trey, and Tristan, Dr. Mason Elbert of Sedalia, MO; her mother Delores Roethler of Algona; nine brothers and sisters, Sherry (Jerry) Rusher of Wasilla, AK, Marilyn (Jay) Johnson of Granger, Kevin (Pat) Roethler of Algona, Craig (Ruth) Roethler of Norwalk, Mike (Deb) Roethler of Algona, Lowell (Vickie) Roethler of Algona, Perlene (Howie) Clegg of Madrid, Julie (Tom) Chapman of West Des Moines, and Keith (Shari) Roethler of Spencer; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her parents-in-law, Art and Cree Elbert of Algona; and 5 brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dr. Richard (Linda) Elbert of Boone, Kathy (Myros) Samilo of St. Paul, MN, Jodi (Rod) Smith of Lakota, Kent (Jamie) Elbert of Whittemore, and Jeff (Sherie) Elbert of Marathon. She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Roethler.
Tributes
"Dear Jay, I have been away from the whittemore/ Algona area for some time now but heard of Dianes passing through Facebook. I can remember coming back to Garrigan for a class reunion and Diane giving us alumni a tour of Garrigan. I enjoyed the pictures and beautiful video of her and seeing your family. Her passion for life were captured in the pictures. Please know you have my deepest sympathy. Gwen Casperson (Capesius) "
"Dear family of Diane My condolences on the loss of Diane, At very sad times as these, grieving ones need comfort and the Bible is the best place to find it. Romans 15:4. says that "through our comfort from the scriptures, we might have hope" The true God, Jehovah, shows us in the Bible,that soon his son, Jesus ,will perform the greatest miracle, that of the resurrection of the dead.-John 5:28,29. . The Bible teaches that very soon, there will be no more death on the earth. You can read from your Bible at Revelation 21:4 that marvelous future hope for the human family. sincerely dianne mullins"
"Dear Jay and family, I said a prayer for Diane's cheerful soul. She did so much for so many kids and families to further Catholic education...I am sorry for the ache in the hearts of your boys and you, but I know memories, faith and the love of family and friends will sustain you. Sincerely, The Steve and Julie Elbert Family-Sioux City"
"Hold close the memories and let them find their way to heal you.
The love, laughter and the joy in the togetherness you shared...will make you strong. May the loving hand of God touch you with peace at this time of darkness. "
"My deepest sympathies to Jay and the entire family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers."
"To the Elbert and Roethler family, I was so saddened to hear of your lose of Diane. My heart goes out to all of you. We have wonderful memorys of her that we'll treasure forever. Stay strong~ as we know she is at peace. Bill Bell marshall mn"
"Jay and Family Wish I could have been there to pay my respects. She was a wonderful women and I am blessed to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Katie (vaske) Vaughn"
"To the Elbert and Roethler Families,
I was saddened to hear of Diane's passing today; I remember her from 4-H days and as Sherry's little sister. She was always fun to be around...too young to leave us, but so glad to know she is no longer in pain. She became quite a woman. My thoughts and prayers are with your families in the coming days and months. God bless.
Cindy Long Loebach"
"TO Jay & family and my many other cousins, aunts, and uncles: I want to extend my deepest sympathy for Diane's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you today. I know she and my mom are together now in conversation as they were here. I hope you are able to find strength and peace in knowing she is with our lord in heaven. Angie (Kollasch) McGill"
"2/26/'13 To Jay and Families, my thoughts and prayers are with you all on the loss of Diane. She was a wonderful person who took great pride in all she did and namely her family and Bishop Garrigan High School were definitely things she loved. She did an awesome job on the BGHS website especially with the Deceased Alumni always keeping it updated. May She Rest in Peace in Gods Home now. will be keeping you all in my prayers and thoughts in the weeks and months ahead. With Sympathy and Prayers, Mark J.VonBank-Park Rapids, Minnesota(formerly of Algona, Iowa)."
"We only met Diane once, but we remember her graciousness and gratefulness. BGHS has lost a true advocate. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. "
"Jay, Tony and family, My prayers are with you all at this time of loss, know that she is finally at peace with no more suffering. I will continue to pray for all of you for acceptance. Remember the good times and that she is with you all always."
"Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May Diane rest in peace. Steven, Alison, Wyatt, Weston, and Walker Rosenmeyer"
"Di and I met in High School and became friends she a sophamore me a junior We graduated, we were in each others weddings we each had 3 sons which are very proud of and though our paths took differant directions we have remained close friends through the years. When Denny got siick Jay and Di always stayed in touch. After Denny's funeral, everyone one was gone except my sisiters, she came with grilled steak and the fixins plus wine. She always made evertthing look so easy. I will miss her as will all of us whose lives she has touched Kim Thilges"
""
"Jay and family, Diane was a wonderful woman with a beautiful family. I'm sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you."
"So saddened to hear of Diane leaving this life so soon and what a great life she lived. Women all over the world can only aspire to be as inspirational and uplifting as Diane. Such a fighter. She will be greatly missed. Prayers and hugs to the Elbert's and Roethler's."
"Jay and Elbert Family, My deepest sympathy in your loss of Diane. Although I only knew her for a short time, she will forever live in my memory as inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with you. "
"Jay and family, Sorry to hear of your loss, May she rest in peace . "
"Jay and Famiy,
We were so sad to hear of Diane's loss. She will be so deeply missed by every single person whose life she touched. She was such a dynamic person who drew people to her. Please know our hearts are deeply saddened and we send hugs to you all and wish you God's comforting peace in the days/weeks ahead. We are here for you.
Gary and Kathy Brees"
"Jay and Family----My heart aches with you for your loss. Di was such an incredible lady and words are so inadequate at a time like this. I will always remember seeing that crazy lady flopping around on the dance floor doing the alligator in a fancy evening dress at one of the infamous Red Power Xmas parties! God bless you and your family Jay. Love, Deb Loerch (formerly Plahn)"
"Sending our prayers & sympathies during this difficult time."
"Tony Elbert and family- Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. We are so very sorry for the loss of your mother. She was such a wonderful woman and will be missed by everyone that knew her. -Chris, Jessie, Nathan and Lauren Walker"
"Jay and Family: I am so sorry to learn of Diane's death. .. you have lost a very special wife, mother, friend, and companion. My prayers go out for you, Tony, Neal, Mason, and the extended family. Although my words cannot ease the sorrow you feel, I pray that God's peace will find you and bring you comfort. Francine O'Brien Andersen"
"Jay I can`t image what your going through. You are in my prayers. Diane was the sweetest person I`m so sorry for you and your family`s loss. "
"Diane will be missed. I hope you find comfort in celebrating her life over the next several days. We are praying with you up here in Wisconsin. "
"Jay and family - Sending warm thoughts and prayers to you in your time of sorrow. Denise (Nassif) McClure"
"To the Entire Elbert family, Di was an amazing woman, while we can't imagine the pain and loss you are feeling, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mike and Kathy Ubben"
"Jay and Family...No words can express how deeply sad we are for your loss!!! People who battle this cancer never seize to amaze me. The love of life and their drive to get through this are truly amazing!!! As you know, been through this first hand! May the beautiful memories and Di's amazing spirit comfort you at this time of pain! I happen to think there is a very special Angel who is going to Welcome Di to a place of no pain or struggles! Blessings to you all. And Rest in Peace Di. Thought and Prayers your Way...Mark and Linda Behr Family.
"
"Dear Jay and Family, Di was such a faithful, wonderful, classy woman. She never said a bad word about anyone and did her best to live her life as God would approve of. Her battle against cancer was an example of her dedication and love of life. She never gave up, and never let anyone know she was suffering. She will be missed not only by your family, but by her Church family as well as her Bishop Garrigan family. She was an example to everyone of what true faith and trust in God was about. God Bless you all and know that she definitely earned her wings while here on earth. Jenny & Brad Eichenberger & Family"
"Jay and family My sympathy goes out to you and your family,we all know Diane is in a better place now and that she is pain free,prayers are with you all. "
"Jay and Family, Our deepest symathy for your loss of Diane. "
"Thinking about the Elbert and Roethler families at this difficult time. Very sorry for your loss. Diane will be missed by many. Kate, Steve, Shane, Neal, Myles & Aidan Koob"
"Strength, courage, humility...Di possesed all these qualities and more. She leaves behind an incredible example of service and faith. Not only was her dedication and drive inspiring, but will forever impact the future of BGHS. We pray that memories of Di will shine bright in all the hearts who celebrate her life, and bring comfort in times of sorrow. "
"We like to extend our sincere sympathy to Jay & your family. Cherish her memories! Roy & Angie Metzger"
"Jay and family, Randy and I are so sorry for your loss. May memories bring smiles to help heal your hearts. "
"Jay and family, we will miss Diane on what a fighter she was! Never forget that scavenger hunt we had in Whittemore at the Baumann' s! You two were so much fun! Remember her hollering step on it Jay, we got to go! We gained another angel in heaven:)
"
"Jay and Family, you have our deepest sympathies. Di was such a great person, she will truly be missed. Cherish all of your memories. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Tom & Jayne Lipps"
"Jay and Family, You have our deepest sympathy. Diane was one of the kindness ladies I knew. Do remember, memories are a gift from God."
"Jay and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. "
"Diane was always a hard working, loving, classy lady. she will be missed ! "
"Jay and family~
You have our deepest sympathy in the loss of Di. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. We are praying for your peace at this difficult time.
God's blessings to you.
"
"Diane always welcomed my family and me into her home with warm smiles and hugs. She extended a very kind heart to all, shared stories and laughter, and cared for an amazing family. My wife and I pray for Jay, the boys, and their families as they seek the Peace that Diane now knows for eternity."
"I am sorry for your loss. I was grateful for Diane's friendship and her willingness to watch my girls when they were small; I remember Diane and our shared years as farm wives with fondness."
"Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. We will miss seeing Di at Emerald's...she was such a fun person to sit down and share a drink with and chat it up! Even when she wasn't feeling great....there she was, toughing thru it to spend time with her family and friends. We admire her drive and her strength with the battle she fought. Gala will never be the same...but we will honor your hard work and dedication forever! "
"Our sympathies for your family with the passing of Diane. She was a class act and I enjoyed my interaction with her in my time at Seton and BGHS."
"Jay and Family: You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. To say Diane was a fighter is an understatement! You and the kids now have a true Guardian Angel watching over!! Let us know if there is anyting we can do to help at this time!! Renee (Walker) Graves and Family."
"Our sympathy to all of the family. Our prayers are with you. R.I.P. Diane."
"What a fighter Diane was! She never complained and lived life to the fullest. She will be missed. Our sympathies to Jay and family. You were great neighbors while we were neighbors! "
"Jay and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful woman with all of us. She has touched so many people in so many different ways and her courage, faith, and strength are an inspiration to us all.
"
"Jay and family, My deepest sympathies to all of Di's family. My heart aches for you and praying for the strength each of you need to survive your loss. I will cherish my friendship and memories of our fun times with Di. We are blessed to have known a strong and beautiful woman. God Bless all of her family. Sherry. "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mike, Jan, Caelyn and Kylie Capesius"
"Jay, Tony, Neal and Mason, You are in our thoughts and prayers on the loss of your wife and mother. She was a wonderful lady, we always enjoyed visiting with her. She lived her life full of faith. You have our deepest sympathy. May God give you the strength you need during this difficult time. Tony, Lael and Kerry Kahler"
"Diane was a great example of courage and faith to everyone she touched. She was a very dedicated member of the Bishop Garrigan System. God's Blessing to all of you and my deepest sympathy! Karen and Duane McGregor"
"My sympathy to Diane's family. Being a distant relative, I have found memories of our family reunions when we were youngsters. Also, remember that we had a blast a number of years back at Valley Fair with the Smith family. My youngest daughter made a really good connection with Diane on that day. "
"To all of Di's family, Di was truly a vibrant spirit at Garrigan and in all the lives she touched. Her energy, dedication and faith have made a tremendous positive difference in so many of our lives. I will miss her. I also pray, asking God to bless each of you with the strength and faith that you need to get through this difficult time. "
"All of us at Garrigan will miss Diane. My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family."
"Neal and Heather, You have my deepest sympathy. I heard the other day that things were getting very bad . I know I haven't been in touch with you for some time and didn't realize how things were going for your mom. All I really know is the deep love that was so obvious that you have for her. I pray for the strength that you need to get through this, and God's healing of your hurting hearts. Take care all of you."
"Jay and family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. May you find peace and comfort in the memories you've shared and in knowing Di is no longer in pain. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all. Rest in peace Di..."
"Jay, Tony, Neal, and Mason, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Di was an amazing woman and will be greatly missed. Her kind and caring demeanor, friendship to my parents, and treatment of me like I was one of her own will always be remembered. I hope that God's grace will help you to deal with your loss. Hugs and prayers for you and your families. Alycia and Ella Besch "
"Our deepest sympathy to your family on the loss of Diane. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. "
"Jay, Tony, Neal, Mason & family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Di was so dedicated to Bishop Garrigan and loved all of you so much. I turned to her many times for advice as we both battled breast cancer. May she rest in peace. God be with all of you. Beth & John Byrkeland"
"Jay and Family - I am so sorry to hear of Di's passing....you are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"From Dragotec USA, Inc We are sorry to hear of Diane's passing. We hope you find comfort in knowing she is now at peace, without pain and is with our Savior now. The entire staff of Dragotec sends sympathies and prayers to your family. "
"Jay, Tony, Neal, & Mason, You are in our thoughts and prayers. We extend our sympathy to you all. Di was such an inspiration to everyone that knew her. Jerry & Becky Helmers "
"We have all lost a wonderful spirit today. Di was a testament to courage and faith in the way she lived her life.... never looking at what was being taken away from her but always gracious for the gifts she had been given. May we learn by her example..
You have our deepest sympathy."
"Our deepest sympathy to your family on the loss of Diane. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Jay, Tony, Neal, Mason and extended families, I cannot express in words how sorry I am to hear of your loss. Di was such an extroridinary person, one would have never known she was going through this fight because she never complained, felt sorry for herself, asked for help or slowed down. She would always put everyone else first. What an inspiration to all of us! We will continue to keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers!"
"Words cannot capture how amazing Diane was or how much she will be missed. She was a fighter in the true sense of the word. To know Diane, was to love her. She would light up a room with her charisma and spirit. As an "in law" she truly adopted me as her own family and I am a better person for that. She is someone that I will hold in my heart with the greatest admiration. My deepest sympathies for the family. She may be gone but will never be forgotten. We love you Diane. "
"Our deepest sympathy to you Jay and family on the los of Diane. She was a super person and will be truly missed by the community. God Bless You All. Joyce and Denny Frideres "
"Diane was an amazing woman and will be greatly missed. She fought so hard and I don't ever remember her complaining. She was so strong. Her dedication to Bishop Garrigan was unmatched. Jay and Boys and family our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We will cherish Diane's memory forever."
"Cory and I and our boys would like to offer our deepest sympathies to your entire family. We were so saddened to hear of Diane's passing. She was truly an AMAZING person. She had both my respect and admiration. There will certainly be something missing at Bishop Garrigan without her there. She made quite an impact. May you all find comfort in all your cherished memories. God Bless."
"So sorry for your loss. Diane was a sweet and beautiful lady! Your in our thoughts and prayers. "
"Jay and Family My heart and prayers go out to you. Diane was a beautiful person and will be greatly missed."
"Jay and kids, Our heart and prayers go out to all of you on the loss of your wife,mother,mother-in-law and grandmother. To young and a special person she will be missed. Larry and Joanne Mergen"
"Diane will be forever missed. She was an amazing woman. I feel so incredibly blessed to call her my friend. She has been there for me so many times. What a ray of energy and sunshine she brought to those blessed to call her friend. God bless you Jay, her boys and the entire Elbert and Roethler family. She celebrated life to the fullest and 100% in everything she did. What an inspiration she is for all of us. CHEERS to life Diane led and the gift of love, loyalty, and friendships she shared with all of us. We love Diane ....you will NEVER be forgotten."
"Elbert Family There are no words at such a sad time, but know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Diane was a fighter and never gave up - I would say an inspiration for all fighting this disease. Rest in peace Diane! Your sparkle and smile will remain in the hearts of all that knew you and not to mention the halls of Garrigan High School. Jim & Cyndi Kohlhaas"
"Jay and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Diane's death and hope that your family can remember all the good times that were shared...memories can't be taken away...Diane was a wonderful lady and on occasions with the Elbert family have been able to get to know her...remembering all of you during thie time and in the days to come...hugs to all of you"