Diane Weidenbach

Although the days of Diane Weidenbach numbered far too few, she made a profound impact on the hearts and lives of so many around her. She made no secret of the fact that she cherished each and every day she had to spend with her beloved husband and that her entire family was her greatest gift. Life was laden with heavy burdens for Diane and although these challenges could have easily stolen her spirit, she spent nearly all of her days living life to the fullest. Someone who was known for her generous heart, Diane was forever looking for a way to brighten the day of another and in doing so, taught us that it is through giving that we are richly blessed. Life will never be the same without Diane here, but our lives are greatly enriched for having been touched by her.

During a time when tensions were high overseas, our country remained divided about our presence in Vietnam by the time we turned the calendar to another year, 1967. As Twiggy changed the face of beauty in England, miniskirts grew even shorter and were high fashion in women’s clothing worldwide. The Beatles continued to make teen girls swoon across the nation while movies on the silver screen were geared toward younger audiences as well with films such as The Graduate and Cool Hand Luke. This year was a year to remember for one family from Allegan, Michigan, since they were overjoyed with the birth of a baby girl on May 30th. Diane was welcomed into the arms of her parents, Carl and Gail (Baker) Coburn, and was one of five children in her family including her sisters, Denise and Carla, and her brothers, Brian and Billy. At the age of three, Diane was diagnosed with diabetes. Later in her life at the age of 11, her parents separated and as a result, her time was divided between each of her parents.

For her education, Diane attended Gaylord Schools and graduated from Gaylord High School in 1985. She continued her education from there by enrolling in Northern Michigan University with plans of becoming a nurse, although she was unable to get through the entire program.

Life became very exciting for Diane as a college student because it was at that time during her life that she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Parris Weidenbach and he was stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, also located in the Upper Peninsula. After falling in love, Diane became Mrs. Parris Weidenbach on June 5, 1992.

Since Diane’s husband made the military his career, the couple lived all over the United States. He retired four years ago giving the loving couple more time to spend with each other. Just three months ago, Parris and Diane decided to move back to Michigan, calling Warren their home. Diane was thrilled to move where she was much closer to her family than she had been in years.

As time went by, Diane worked in a variety of capacities with many years being spent in the food industry. Her work found her at McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, and Papa John’s Pizza. Most recently Diane had been working for the Jackson Hewitt Tax Agency, but it was also difficult to maintain a job because of her health limitations.

On November 1, 1994, Diane was given a new lease on life with both a kidney and a pancreas transplant. After recovering, she continued making the most of each day she was given. She spent a lot of time doing craft work like scrapbooking and cross-stitching. Diane was rather computer savvy, too, and was currently working on putting together her family’s genealogy. Throughout her life she always had a special place in her heart for animals and enjoyed the companionship of her pets.

As much as Diane found fun and happiness in her hobbies, there was nothing that brought her more joy than spending time with the family and friends she treasured more than life itself. First and foremost was her deep love for her husband as she viewed every day she spent with Parris to be the greatest days of her life. The couple shared a loving relationship that was based on a deep respect for one another that provides us all with much to aspire for. No matter where Diane was, if she was with her family and friends, she was truly content.

There were so many things to love about Diane. She certainly had struggles, but throughout most of her she was full of spirit. Diane loved life and loved to laugh and was known for her sense of humor. She was always one who wanted to make others happy and never wanted anyone to fuss over her.

One of life’s greatest unanswered questions is why some are given nearly a century to live their lives while others are given far less. We would have loved more time with Diane Weidenbach, but at the same time we are so grateful for having been blessed with her during the years we were given. She had a way of making us feel special and as her friends and family can attest, she loved with all her heart. The memories she leaves us with will remain forever near and dear to all our hearts.

Diane Weidenbach of Warren died Saturday, June 4, 2011. Diane’s family includes her husband, Parris; her mother, Gail Giacaloni; sisters, Denise Weigandt and Carla Beverly; and brother, Billy Coburn. Diane was preceded in death by her father Carl and brother, Brian Coburn. Learn more about Diane, view her life story film, and share light refreshments while visiting with family and friends Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams (685-5881) where her services will begin at 3 p.m. that day. Please visit Diane’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her guestbook before coming to the funeral home, and make a donation to the ASPCA.