In loving memory of

Diane Renee Alesch
October 25, 1945 - March 27, 2017

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 31, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Graettinger. Interment is in St. Jacob's Cemetery, Graettinger. The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Joyce-Alesch Funeral Home of Graettinger is handling the arrangements.

Diane Renee Alesch, daughter of Edmund and Fern (Lewis) Herke was born October 25, 1945 in Emmetsburg, IA. She was a 1963 graduate of Graettinger High School

On November 23, 1963, Diane was united in marriage to Tony Alesch at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Together, Diane and Tony raised their five children on a farm northeast of Graettinger. Diane was a homemaker and helped Tony. She worked for several years for the Graettinger School Food Service Program. Later in life, she helped her daughter, Brenda with daycare and her brother Doug with fieldwork.

Diane was an avid Hawkeye fan. She enjoyed watching sports, especially wrestling. She always looked forward to motorcycle trips with Tony, girl's weekends in Wisconsin and playing card games and poker with family and friends. She treasured the time she spent with her children and all of her grandchildren.

Diane was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where she served as past-president of the Altar and Rosary Society. She was a member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Snow-twisters Snowmobile Club. Diane served as past president of the Graettinger Community School District, and she was an avid Graettinger Labor Day Volunteer.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Wade Alesch (Dawn), Brenda Alesch all of Graettinger, Shane Alesch (Tricia) of Lincoln, NE, Mike Alesch (Beth) of Holmen, WI and Cody Alesch (Teresa) of Emmetsburg; her father, Edmund Herke of Emmetsburg; brother, Doug Herke (Mary) of Emmetsburg; sister, Lisa Hovinga (Jerry) of Emmetsburg; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a dear friend, Randy James of Graettinger.

Diane was preceded in death by her mother, Fern Herke; husband, Tony Alesch and an infant nephew, Douglas Herke.

Tributes

Karen McEwan wrote on Mar 30, 2017:

"We were saddened to read of Diane's death. Special memories of long ago when we snowmobiled together, laughed and always had a good time. Our sincere sympathy. Roger and Karen McEwan"

Coleen Herum (classmate) wrote on Mar 30, 2017:

"My sympathy to Diane's Family. The years have come and gone with many wonderful memories to be shared."

Thom Besett wrote on Mar 30, 2017:

"She was always kind and welcoming to me. I remember both her and Tony being so considerate to me at Shane and Tricia's wedding. And at Caitlin's baptism she was again very gracious. I know how much she meant to Shane, Tricia, Caitlin, and Joe and that they will all miss her "

Margaret Molitor wrote on Mar 30, 2017:

"So very sorry to learn of Diane's passing away. She meant a lot to us, at Spencer Municipal Hospital. Sincerely, Margaret Molitor "

Laura Schany wrote on Mar 29, 2017:

"We are so very sorry for your loss. Your mother/daughter/sister/aunt/grandma/great grandma will be greatly missed by many. She was always having fun and talking about her family. Sending you all big hugs and prayers for comfort in the days that lie ahead. Love the Schany's "

Anne Marie/Dick Nelson wrote on Mar 29, 2017:

"The Graettinger Labor Day celebration will never be the same without Diane; she was so much fun, selling tickets and telling us, "I'm getting too old for this!" She leaves lots of great memories and a wonderful family as her legacy. Our sincere sympathy to all, Dick & Anne Marie"

Vince Sampson Smith wrote on Mar 29, 2017:

"Diane always had a smile on her face. She loved her kids and grandkids so much. She was such a good person and a friend to many. She has joined Tony now and they will forever look over their family and friends. Blessings to you all. "

Carmen Clark wrote on Mar 29, 2017:

"So sorry for your loss. Diane was always quick with a smile and witting banter. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. She will be missed greatly."

Jane Eaton-Jackson wrote on Mar 29, 2017:

"My deepest sympathy to you all. Diane was such an amazing person. She always was having fun and was so full of live. I know she will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers are with you all...hugs."

Maureen Reeves Horsley wrote on Mar 28, 2017:

"So very sorry for the loss of this vibrant and strong lady. May God hold you close and may you always remember the good times,"

Aimee Goggleye wrote on Mar 28, 2017:

"I will be thinking of Diane's family and community as they celebrate her life... I have such great memories of visiting Graettinger. Diane always made me feel at home and like one of the crew. She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. "

XOXO wrote on Mar 28, 2017:

"We are so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing woman and will be missed by many! "

Kim Currans Vagle wrote on Mar 28, 2017:

"Diane was a warm and wonderful person. Spending time at their cabin and Pioneer Days, these are some memories I treasure. I cared for her like family and I will miss her. My sympathies to the entire family. "

Mackenzie Currans wrote on Mar 28, 2017:

"Diane was a fantastic person. I have so many childhood memories at Tony & Diane's house and at the cabin at Lost Island. She had the best laugh, it was infectious. My sympathy to the entire extended family as she will be missed by everyone who knew her. "

Dave and Cindy Pettit wrote on Mar 28, 2017:

"Sympathies to Lisa and family! So very sorry to hear of the passing of Diane...such a young person taken way too soon...May you find peace in knowing she will now be reunited with her husband in Gods arms forever!"

Diann Burright wrote on Mar 28, 2017:

"My deepest condolences to all of you. Diane was always so friendly and kind. She will be missed."

Laure Miller wrote on Mar 28, 2017:

"My deepest sympathy to Diane's family. She was a great supporter of Graettinger and the school and will truly be missed. God's blessings to you all. "

Troy Pellowski wrote on Mar 28, 2017:

"I didn't know Diane at all but I could tell she was really loved and that she loved everybody as well. As her love for wrestling as well, she held on long enough not to disrupt AJ's state wrestling tournament this past weekend in Madison, WI. Take care family and our prayers and thoughts are with you in your time of mourning. Troy & Missy Pellowski and Family "

Jane Brown wrote on Mar 28, 2017:

"Thinking of Diane's family and friends at this time of sorrow. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I will truly miss her so much. I have so many memories that I will keep in my heart! Hugs to all of you!!!"