Obituary of Diane Frances Vander Heyden

Diane Vander Heyden quietly left her earthly home on March 1, 2022, to be welcomed by her Lord Jesus into her forever heavenly home. Diane was born August 8, 1956, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin to Bruce and Marion DeWitt, the second of eight children. She went to high school mainly in Springville, Iowa, but graduated from Lake Mills High School in Lake Mills, Wisconsin in 1974. Following high school graduation, she left small town life for bigger opportunities in the city of Milwaukee. A baby girl was born to Diane, whom she named Kayonna. After more than a year of struggle, young Diane made the difficult and heart-breaking decision to give her up for adoption. A few years later she met her future husband Bob Vander Heyden. They added a son, Andrew, to Bob's three children: William, Karen and Tammy. Diane resided in several places throughout her life including Wisconsin, Oregon, Iowa, California, Washington, and Idaho. She had long considered Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to be her home, a place where she and Bob could be close to children and grandchildren. Having dedicated herself to Jesus as a young adult, Diane's faith permeated her life. She loved to write poetry and short stories, always with Christian themes. She was a friendly neighbor, she loved her children and grandchildren, and she demonstrated gentle faithfulness to her husband Bob. When his health failed and he needed constant care, Diane lovingly and steadfastly provided that care until his last breath. Her faith was strong. Diane never gave up on God no matter what life threw her way because she knew God never gave up on her! Though she will certainly be missed by her family and friends in the Here and Now, Diane is already living it up in the There and Then where she has joined many loved ones who also knew Jesus as their Savior as they reunite in heaven. A celebration of Diane's life will be held at the Mill River Senior Center Clubhouse, 3505 North Sunapee Loop, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho at 1:00 pm Saturday March 19, 2022.