Diann M. Blitsch died very peacefully on April 28, 2015 at her home with family and friends by her side. Services will be on Saturday May 2, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein, Iowa, with Father Paul Mc Manus and Deacon Jim Patera officiating.  Visitation will be on Friday, May 1, 2015 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Geilenfeld Funeral home in Oelwein.            

Diann was born on September 3, 1948 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, daughter of Arnold and Kathryn (Roark) Minikus. She grew up in Cedar Falls and attended St. Patrick’s grade school and graduated from Columbus High School, in 1967.  On January 16, 1971 she was united in marriage to Jake Blitsch at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Cedar Falls. They were blessed with three wonderful daughters, Bridget, Stacey, and Lesley. Jake and Diann divorced in 1993 but she was always quick to say, he was her favorite ex-husband.            

For 26 years she worked at Oelwein Cable TV, which later became MediaCom, until her health deteriorated last July.            

Diann was dedicated to her family, her church and her flower garden but her proudest accomplishment was her three strong daughters and her greatest joys were her grandchildren.  She thought a picture was worth a thousand words and has boxes and boxes of photographs capturing the memoires of her children and grandchildren.  She was a very generous and compassionate person that touched many lives, especially with those who were sick or grieving. That’s why it was so fitting when she became ill, so many friends and relatives gathered around to give her comfort. 

She is survived by her daughters Bridget (Gabe) Copeland, Stacey Blitsch, both of Los Angeles, and Lesley (Jeremy) Yearous of Oelwein; four grandsons: Xavier, Aden, Grayson and Riot.  Diann also left an aunt and uncle: Dale and Helen Modlin of Grundy Center, several cousins and nieces and nephews that were close to her heart. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Kathryn; a sister, Teresa Corwin; and a brother Donald Minikus. 

“Diann was a very spiritual person and we feel confident she has attained the highest reward promised by God in her passing.”