Diane (Grbavcich) Smerling

ERWIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Diane (Grbavcich) Smerling, 53, went to her eternal resting place on July 19, 2015, having her husband, Ken, and their dog, Aspen, at her side.

Diane is the daughter of Bernice (Koleski) Grbavcich and the late August "Bozo" Grbavcich. She was preceded in death by her father, "Bozo;" her godfather, Paul Grbavcich; and mother-in-law, Ardiss Smerling.

Diane is survived by her husband of 20 years, Ken; mother, Bernice Grbavcich; four brothers, Rudy (Cathy) Grbavcich, Ironwood, Frank (Cindy) Grbavcich, Marinette, Wis., Paul (Kathy) Grbavcich, Ironwood, and Donald (Nicole Cort) Grbavcich, Ironwood; father-in-law, Merle "Chuck" Smerling, Omro, Wis .; brother-in-law, Michael (Delores) Smerling, Fond du Lac, Wis; and her godmother Betty Barbarich, Plymouth; and many family members, friends and neighbors.

Ken and Diane were married on February 11, 1995, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Omro. They resided in Omro until 2007 when they decided to relocate themselves back "up north."

Having a joint passion of the outdoors, Diane and Ken enjoyed many activities with family and friends - outdoor gardening, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, long walks in the woods, campfires, sitting around the wood stove and dreaming up stuff, watching sunsets and the birds.

Diane's fond memories were spent with family and friends at Clear Water Lake and Langford Lake of Watersmeet, as well as in Erwin Township.

Diane received her education attending grade school, high school and part of her post graduate studies in Ironwood and finishing off at Ferris State University. She worked professionally in a variety of settings throughout her career but found the most fun working environments at Carlson's Supermarket, downtown Ironwood, and at Big Powderhorn Lodging Association, in Bessemer.

Per Diane's request, cremation has taken place. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 27, 2015, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley at 11 a.m. Rev. Frank Kordek OFM will be the celebrant. Diane's family will receive relatives and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of mass at the church on Monday. A luncheon will be served at Rigoni's Inn, 925 E. Ayer Street, in Ironwood, following the mass.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Private online condolences can be sent to [email protected].

"The end? The journey does not end here. Death is just another part we must have." - Author unknown.