Diane Vrem

Born May 2, 1947 in Webster, South Dakota

Died December 10th, 2024 in Mahomet, Illinois

Diane was the third of five children born to Ray and Alice Lardy. She grew up on a farm in South Dakota attending grade school and high school in Roslyn, South Dakota. She furthered her education by attending Presentation College and St Luke’s School of Radiology in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Her Healthcare Career included a foundation in Radiology; with Orthopedic, Family Care, Rheumatology and Administration gained through experience. She became well versed in medicine and was respected by all she worked with, as well as gaining the respect of many of the patients she cared for. She was also a medical advocate for her family and many individuals outside of work. Her Medical Career developed in Mankato, Minnesota. It was in Mankato that she met and later married Michael on June 24th, 1972. Mankato was also where their only child Thomas was born. In 1978 opportunity arose for Mike’s career and they moved to Mattoon, Illinois where Diane expanded her medical experience. They lived in Mattoon for 20 years before moving to Mahomet in 1999. Her entire medical career was focused on one thing, taking care of the patient. 

At home, her interests included crafting, baking, and when she was younger, gardening. Her chocolate chip cookies were the neighborhood children’s favorite. As time went on, her Christmas cookies became fan favorites, with many subtle requests. This year that wish was cut short, but her son and husband are trying to keep the cookie tradition going. She became an avid reader in retirement, spending many hours with books. She also loved walking until her health limited her endurance. Illini Basketball was another love. She cheered them on whether she was at the game or watching it on television. She enjoyed games of all sorts with family or friends, and wow, she really loved to dance. Her and Mike have been a part of a 500 card club with the same friends for over 45 years. They traveled to Florida every winter the past seven years to spend a month with long-time friends in the same condo. This was her life, prioritizing family and friendships, doing the things most important to her. But also, we can’t forget her faith in the Lord. It was so abundant. She was at peace in hours of prayer daily. Faith and family time were her life priorities.

One of her favorite stories was about Tom’s band practicing in our basement in Mattoon. As they practiced, they became more experimental with their music and their volume. Diane had a system that warned them when the music was too loud. When the volume reached a point where it rattled the salt and pepper shakers on her stove, she started flipping the lights in the basement on and off. The band always knew it was time to turn down the volume. 

Family in Illinois was limited. So, Diane developed an extended family with old friends and new neighbors. These friendships were precious. Her door was always open to lend a helping hand, or a listening ear. If anyone knew Diane, if they laughed, shared a meal, played a game or worked with her, they became a part of her celebration of life. She lived the rural values she grew up with, and basically, she never left the farm. Many of these special friendships have endured for many decades. Her greatest treasure in life was planning or attending family reunions, sibling gatherings, or husband and son outings. Time with family was important.

Diane is survived by her husband Michael, son Thomas, of Nashville, TN, siblings Marie Snaza of Mankato, MN, Marguerite Smith (Arlo), of Aberdeen, SD, Ray Lardy Jr. (Ginny), of Webster, SD, sister-in-law Deloris Lardy, of Webster, SD and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by brother Richard Lardy, sister Josephine Lardy, brother-in-law Ben Snaza, and her parents Ray and Alice Lardy.

Memorials for Diane can be made to: Our Lady of the Lake Youth Ministry, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Crisis Nursery in Urbana, or your favorite charity. Services will be at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mahomet with Visitation beginning at 9:00 and Funeral Mass following at 10:00. Lunch will be served at the church following the service. Burial will be next May in Webster, South Dakota.

Please join her family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 1102 Churchill Rd. Mahomet, IL. 61853