Memorial

Diane L.R. Wilson, 60, of Cedar Rapids died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday October 12, 2014 in her home. Services at 11:00 AM on Saturday at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Burial at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5 to 8 PM on Friday.

Survivors include her husband Frank; two sons, Sven of Cedar Rapids and Olaf of Washington D.C.; her mother and step-father Gerd and John Bell of Cedar Rapids and a brother Walter (Cappie) Rich of Amana. She is also survived by a grandson Cyrus; four nieces, Elsa, Lisa, Sarah and Elaine; and three nephews Grant, Michael and Thomas. She was preceded in death by her father Guy and a sister Ingrid Wright.

Diane was born on April 6, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of Guy and Gerd Michelsen Rich. She married M. Frank Wilson on August 15, 1980 in Cedar Rapids.

When asked where she was from Diane always said she was from Chicago, and that her family brought her to Cedar Rapids against her will when she was four years old.

Diane was a devoted mother and wife, she raised two sons to be fine young men, and was very proud of both. Sven and Olaf often brought their friends home, and they became an extended family to us. They often enjoyed late night fires in the back yard with us.

Diane loved cooking, fine dining, and herb and flower gardening. 

She was a spiritual person, and studied astrology. She was frustrated that her engineer husband did not share her interest in astrology.

Diane loved meeting new people, and easily struck a rapport with them. New friends often shared surprising confidences with her only minutes after meeting her. Diane and Frank shared an interest in live blues music. They sometimes celebrated family birthdays in blues clubs in Chicago.

Diane also enjoyed traveling including her trips to Greece, Mexico, and the Florida Keys. She especially enjoyed visiting Door County Wisconsin, where the family vacationed every year for over 20 years, sometimes joined by our niece Elsa Wright.

Memorial donations may be given to the Madge Phillips Center in Diane’s name.