Obituaries : Diane Marie Wheeler

Diane Marie Wheeler, 68 of Keystone, passed away after a three year battle with Melanoma Skin Cancer, on August 18, 2022 at her family's farm in Watkins.

Diane was born on November 24, 1953 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Donald and Joyce (DeKlotz) Wheeler. She was the fourth oldest of nine children.

After graduating in 1972, from Benton Community, she received a degree from the University of Arkansas. Diane served in the American Foreign Service for nine year posts in Brazil, Nicaragua, and Sweden. Upon returning stateside, she continued working for the Federal Government, until her retirement.

Diane enjoyed spending time with family, playing cards, fishing, gambling, crossword puzzles, and a good glass of wine. She volunteered her time at the Community Clothes Closet in Tama and was instrumental in obtaining National Historic Registry status for Youngville Café, which was built by her great grandmother. Diane was a passionate, life long conservative.

Diane is survived by her mother, Joyce, eight siblings, Joe (Meg), Jan, Mike (Susan), Susan (Bud) Moore, Jean (Jerry) Jurgens, Andy (Pat), Ann (Dennis) Junge, and John. 14 nieces and nephews, Chad, Tim, Jeremy, Scott, Christina, Jackie, Josie, Ryan, Jacob, Samantha, Heath, Ben, Taylor, Clayton, and numerous great, and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Donald, and grandparents Gilbert and Velma DeKlotz and Lester and Leone Wheeler.

We would like to thank Chris and the rest of the UnityPoint Hospice team. A very special thanks to Annette Wheeler for her guiding light during a dark time.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Any memorials will be donated to UnityPoint Hospice.