Nitschke, Diane R. (Ricardo) 1939 - 2014

NITSCHKE, RICARDO, KIRK, DRAGON, BOULD, BUNTH

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 1/9/2015 at 13:06:23

Diane Nitschke passed away on December 29, 2014 at home surrounded by the comfort of her family.

Diane was born December 12, 1939, in Brooklyn, NY the first daughter of Grace (Kirk) and George Ricardo. With the beginning of World War ll and with her father being in the military, the family was stationed in a variety of places. Diane as a five and a half year old witnessed the explosion of the first atomic bomb while they were in Alamogordo, NM.

She was united in marriage to Werner Nitschke on September 6, 1959 at the Hillside Methodist Church in New Hyde Park, NY. They resided in Commack, NY and had two children, Mark and Deidre. The family moved to DeKalb, IL and eventually to Decorah, IA in 1972. Diane completed her college education at Luther College and thereafter worked for Upper Explorerland as a workforce specialist.

Diane and Werner enjoyed many travels and adventures throughout their enduring marriage. She was devoted to her family and was delighted when their children remained in Iowa after completing their education. On their fiftieth anniversary they took the family, now with four grandchildren, to NYC. As part of their city activities Diane fulfilled two of her desires: to walk the Brooklyn Bridge and eat at the Tavern on the Green in Central Park.

Diane had a number of interests. She and the family loved sailing and sailed on Lake Pepin, MN and extensively off the west coast of Florida voyaging to numerous barrier islands. Diane also enjoyed photography and won first and third prize in the Tampa Bay photography contest for her landscape photos. In retirement Diane with Werner began a small home business called Starlit Studio where they created sky charts suitable for framing.

Diane established an interesting educational experience for her grandchildren: Nicole and Michelle, daughters of Mark and Lori Nitschke, and Will and Amanda, son and daughter of Deidre and William Dragon. They were called the Frog Hollow Scientists and presented a yearly in-house science fair over the Thanksgiving holiday. Diane's legacy will be that of a loving wife, parent and grandparent whose enthusiasm was contagious. Werner refers to her as his life navigator.

Diane is survived by her husband, Werner and their children Mark Nitschke of Ankeny, IA and Deidre Nitschke Dragon of Mount Vernon, IA. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Diane's sister Marlene Bould of Commack, NY, and brother Donald Ricardo of Longs, SC. She is preceded by her parents Grace Bunth and George Ricardo.

A visitation will occur between 1:00-2:00 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2015 followed by a Memorial Service between 2:00-2:30 at the Fjelstul Funeral Home.

Cards may be addressed to the Nitschke family, 728 Ridge Rd., Decorah, IA 52101 and memorials may be made via donations to your local library.

Source: Fjelstul Funeral Home database

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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