Diane M. Friedel

1940-2024

Diane M. Friedel, 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, surrounded by her family at her home in Silver Spring, Maryland. Born Oct. 18, 1940, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Diane was the daughter of the late George and Catherine Rasmussen. She was a 1959 graduate of St. Mary’s Springs Academy. She spent many years in Leetonia, Ohio before moving to Maryland to live closer to her daughter after the passing of her husband of 44 years, William Friedel, also of Fond du Lac.

Diane was a beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was an accomplished artist and incredible homemaker. For many years she served as a leader in the Salem Area Arts Guild in Ohio, exhibited her artwork in the Salem branch of the Butler Institute of American Art, and combined her artistic talents and love of computers as a graphic designer. She also used her musical talents to serve her faith community as a cantor at St. Patrick’s Church in Leetonia. Diane was an avid reader, expert seamstress, animal lover, and an amazing cook and baker with apple pies as her specialty. She took great joy and pleasure in painting with her grandchildren and teaching them how to bake and play her favorite games, especially cribbage. She will be remembered as a model of resilience in the face of lifelong challenges brought on by polio, which she contracted as a child. However, more than anything, she will be remembered as an all-around delightful person, with an ever-present sense of humor and an immense and consistent joy in living, both of which were infectious.

Diane will be profoundly missed by her daughter, Kirsten Friedel Roddy, son-in-law Mark Roddy, and her three grandchildren, Grace, Luke, and Katherine Roddy of Glen Echo, Maryland; her siblings, Karen (Thomas) Schuppe of Fond du Lac and Glenn (Joyce) Rasmussen of Waukesha, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband William, her parents George and Catherine, and her siblings Joan Bullon, James Rasmussen, and Richard Rasmussen.

A visitation and funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Church in Fond du Lac on Friday, Dec. 20, with visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. followed by Mass and committal at St. Charles Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Diane’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to Montgomery and Prince George’s Hospice in Diane’s name (https://montgomeryhospice.org/donate-now/).

10/29/24