July 3, 1956 – May 29, 2023

Diane Elise Staeffler, 66, Rapid City, S.D., passed away in the comfort of her own home surrounded with love after a two-year battle with cancer on May 29, 2023.

A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 5, 2023, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid City, with Rev. David Piper officiating. Online condolences can be left at www.osheimschmidt.com

Diane was born on July 3, 1956, to Dewey and Doris Dooyema in Luverne, Minn. She graduated from Edgerton High School in 1974. On August 17, 1974, she married her high school sweetheart Dan Staeffler in Kenneth, Minn. Following marriage they lived in Farmington, N.M., for 3 years before moving closer to family in Sioux Falls, S.D., where they had two children: Dustin and Danielle. Dan and Diane moved to Rapid City in 1985 where they have lived since.

Diane was always joyful, positive, and fun to be around. She had a gift for organization and enjoyed being involved in Zonta, Beta Sigma Phi, HOG, Chamber Diplomats, Leadership Rapid City, Motor Maids, and other numerous activities. She was always on the go – visiting friends and family, shopping (with a special emphasis on shoes), motorcycle trips, Windjammer cruises, RZR rides, and camping. Diane was a positive light with her bright eyes and beautiful smile. Family was so important to her; she was active in her children’s activities and in their lives as they grew up. Her grandchildren were such a source of joy for her and she adored each one.

Diane was diagnosed with cancer two years ago on May 1. In her battle, she wanted to do everything she could to be here as long as she could. In her “Mighty Mouse” way, she fought until the end with her attitude, optimism, and beauty in full force.

Diane will be lovingly remembered by her husband Dan of 48 years; her two children and four grandchildren: her son Dustin (Brook) Staeffler, Bree (15); her daughter Danielle (Zack) Gimpel, Piper (14) Cash (11) Oliver (8); her brother Doug Dooyema and her sister Denise Padilla. She will also be missed by brothers and sisters-in-law, extended family, her sorority sisters that are like family, and so many friends and community members.

She was preceded in death by her parents Dewey and Doris Dooyema, and brother David, and her father and mother-in-law LeRoy and Vangie Staeffler.