Diane Phelan (1955-2020)

PHELAN, SIMOFF, REPPLINGER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 12/29/2020 at 12:51:10

Diane Phelan (Simoff), 65, of Fairfax, Iowa, peacefully passed away Dec. 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 on to 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 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 95 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; her 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 home playing cards, or out with friends enjoying dinner and drinks. Diane was a lover of cats, gardening, cooking, baking, reading, crosswords and puzzles.
Our hearts are shattered and Diane will be missed beyond measure. A private family service will be held for Diane. Her celebration of life will be held in the late spring/early summer 2021 in Cedar Rapids. Details to follow on Facebook under "Diane Phelan Celebration of Life" page.
Many thanks to all of Diane's doctors, nurses, aides, and especially the wonderful staff at Hiawatha's Oldorf Hospice House.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oldorf Hospice House located in Hiawatha or the Hall Perrine Cancer Center in memory of our beloved mother, sister, wife, grandma and friend.