Diane Miksell Obituary

Diane Ruth Miksell, 70, passed away on October 18, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. Diane’s family will greet guests from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in West Des Moines. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the church. The livestream of the service can be found at Ilescares.com. Following services, there will be a luncheon at the church, followed by interment at Resthaven Cemetery after the luncheon.

Born on June 15, 1955, Diane grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1973. Not long after, she met Richard Miksell, and they were married on Friday, September 13, 1974, a date they celebrated in a special way every time it landed on a Friday the 13th.

Diane started her accounting career in the insurance business and worked for a number of companies over the years before retiring in 2020. While Des Moines was home for most of her life, Rich’s job took them to different parts of Iowa and even to Aurora, Colorado for a time.

After her kids were grown, Diane went back to school and took classes at Grand View College, always looking to learn and grow. She was incredibly artistic and creative, always making something from the heart. Whether it was sewing clothes for her kids, quilting baby blankets, or donating handmade prayer shawls, her hands were rarely still. She even made her daughter Heather’s wedding dress, and all the bridesmaids' dresses, too. Birthdays, holidays, or special occasions came with a handmade card, crafted with her own two hands.

Diane had a way of turning a house into a home. She led with her heart in everything she did; sensitive, emotional, deeply caring, and always thinking of others before herself. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and love that will live on in the people who knew and loved her.

Diane is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Richard; children, Heather (Mike) Santi and Dan Miksell; grandchildren, Taylor (Chase) Shiffer and Lila Santi; a great grandchild, Elicia Shiffer; brother, Jeff (Connie) Lightly, sister in-law, Terri Lightly; and many other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Ruth Lightly, and a brother, Rick Lightly.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor or Diane’s desire to better the lives of others, memorials in Diane’s name may be directed to the St. Mark Neighborhood Fridge, which is dedicated to rescuing usable food from local sources and making it available to those in need. The address is 1105 Grand Ave. West Des Moines, IA. 50265

Condolences can be made at Ilescares.com
Arrangements are being handled by Iles Westover Chapel.

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