Diane Phelan (Simoff)

DIANE PHELAN (SIMOFF)

Fairfax

Diane Phelan (Simoff), 65, of Fairfax, Iowa, peacefully passed away on December 16, 2020, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. She was a true warrior and a force to be reckoned with.

She took on the challenge with grace and resolve.

Diane was born Aug. 14, 1955, to Kenneth John Simoff and Loretta Simoff (Repplinger) in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Diane graduated from West Monona High school in Onawa, Iowa, and went onto study at the University of Iowa. Diane moved to Cedar Rapids in 1975 and had two daughters, Jamie (Luneckas) and Laura (Lillesve). She worked for LeFebure in the service department as the manager of service and billing until 1998 when its doors permanently closed. In 1999, Intermec (later became Honeywell) hired her as a manager of service contracts and billing, requiring her to travel the globe until her retirement in 2019. In 2001, Diane met her soulmate, Patrick Phelan, and the two married in 2007 in a cozy ceremony in Mexico with close friends and family present.

Diane is survived by her husband, Patrick Phelan; daughters, Jamie Luneckas (Darin) and Laura Lillesve (Cory); and her four grandchildren, Karlee and Cash Luneckas and Amri and Porter Lillesve. Her grandkids were her world. Diane is also survived by her 96 year-old mother, Loretta Simoff, her siblings, Terry Framke (Charlie), Debbie Ramos, Celeste Simoff, Nick Simoff (Joan) and Toby McCullough; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Diane was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth John Simoff; brother in-law, Dennis Ramos; and her grandparents.

Diane was the most selfless, devoted and loving mother to her daughters. In later years, Jamie and Laura considered her their best friend. Diane loved her friends, and spent her time enjoying motorcycle rides, traveling, cards, antique shopping, beach vacations to Mexico with Patrick and friends, and spending time with her grandkids. Diane adored Patrick and the two could be found enjoying each other's company at their home in the Ozarks, home playing cards or out with friends enjoying dinner and drinks. Diane was a lover of cats, gardening, cooking, baking, reading, crosswords and puzzles. She will be deeply missed.

An open house style Celebration of Life party will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 25, 2021, at Wanatee Park's Prairie Oak Lodge (formerly known as Squaw Creek). Food and greetings will begin at 11 a.m. with live music beginning at 1 p.m. Follow the "Diane Phelan Celebration of Life" page on Facebook for details and updates. As a tribute to Diane's family, please bring a copy of a favorite photo of you and Diane for the family to keep and treasure.

Many thanks to all of Diane's doctors, nurses, aides and especially the wonderful staff at Hiawatha's Oldorf Hospice House.