Diane Schmidt, 67, of Hanna, Indiana passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2021.
Diane was born October 1, 1953, to Joseph and Virginia (Bergen) Daley in La Porte, Indiana.
Diane attended La Porte Schools. She began her career in hairdressing and Sun appliance sales.
Growing up as a little girl, little did she know that traveling with her father to the family farm in Carroll County would lead her to a career as a partner of Schmidt farm with her spouse. Her caring passion and nurturing in growing crops also led to her ability to assume the caring and nurturing of her younger brother who was physically challenged and needed 24-hour care for his final 18 years after his parents could no longer. She juggled all these responsibilities to find some time to travel nationally with her husband to strengthen the message for conservation.
Diane loved her family especially her special bond with Rick and family meals where no one was denied a meal or the snack drawer. She loved her boys and was so proud of the men they have become. She loved her husband and the life they built together for their family. She loved their travels together. She loved making their home the place for family to gather, work, celebrate, give thanks, laugh, and love. She loved the beach, sunshine, and her convertible.
Diane loved her grandchildren and making them laugh, having inside jokes with them, and making each one feel special with birthday dinners and Christmas shopping. She loved watching their sporting events. She tried making it to every game. They never doubted the love their grandma and papa had for them, and they loved them with all they had. Diane was born to be a grandmother.
Diane is survived by her husband, Gene; four sons, Stanley Klimczak of St. John, Indiana, Daniel (Laura) Klimczak of Union Mills, Indiana, Anthony (Elly) Klimczak of Valparaiso, Indiana, and Stephen (Angela) Klimczak of Hanna, Indiana; a daughter-in-law, Gretchen Klimczak of Union Mills, Indiana; grandchildren, Victoria, Kane, Cameron, Daniel, Jaclyn, Shelby, Maisyn, Luke, Jolie, Stephen, Genessee, Caleb, and Mila; a brother, Scott (Cathy) Daley of Florida, a sister, Barb (Steve) Price of La Porte; and her special friend, Rachel Mendenhall. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Rick.
Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m., Sunday, March 14, 2021, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. A Parish Rosary will be at 5:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2021, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1110 Monroe Street, La Porte, Indiana. Reverend Nate Edquist will officiate. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1110 Monroe Street, La Porte, Indiana 46350 or any Hospice of the Donor’s Choice.
Please leave prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at EsslingFuneralHome.com.
