Diane Lekies

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Diane Lekies, of N12115 Black River Road, Ironwood Township, passed unexpectedly on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013, in Ironwood.

Her presence lives on through her husband, Donald Lekies, and five children, Cynthia Sparling-Paynter, Mark Sparling, Jefferson Lekies (Debbie), Kristin Vehring (Jon) and Robin Jo Eplett (Dave). She was also loved and adored by her eight grandchildren, Crystal, Melissa, Christian, Nicole, Janelle, Jacob, Avery and Jeffrey.

She was born on Sept. 26, 1946, in Milwaukee. Her father was the late Lloyd Oldenburg of Gile, Wis., and her mother was the late Janet (Henke) Oldenburg. She was one of five children, including three brothers, Lloyd, Alan and the late Roger, and one sister, the late Barb.

Diane married her husband, Donald, in Milwaukee on Feb. 3, 1968. In June 1987, she moved with her family to Ironwood, where she had vacationed in the Montreal, Wis., area since childhood.

She was one of the most wonderful, warm, kind and loving people we will ever know. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, wife and neighbor. She enjoyed family, “The Farm” with all of the tractors, the outdoors, campfires, camping, music and catching up with old friends. We will remember her forever smiling and always trying to find the good in everyone. She was hardworking and genuine. She was a member of the North Central Wisconsin Steam and Gas Engine Club of Edgar, Wis., for 40 years, and shared the love of anything antique, unique or old with her husband. The door of her home was always open, as was her heart.

The family will be holding a celebration of life gathering, honoring Diane’s memory and love of life, on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 1, at the family farm on Black River Road in Ironwood Township. All family and friends are welcome.

Arrangements are by Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood.