Diana Ilse Stern's Obituary
Diana Ilse Stern, age 69, of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 6:45 p.m. in her home.
Diana was born on June 29, 1954 in Granite City, IL, a daughter to Richard Lee and Ingrid (Benkert) Blackwell. After her mother died when she was 5 years old, she was raised by her father and stepmother, Kathryn Ann "Kay" Blackwell. On January 18, 1975, she married James D. Stern at St. Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, IL and he survives. Diana had worked as a lab tech at Pinckneyville Community Hospital until she became a stay-at-home mom. She had worked with the Boy Scouts for over 20 years, being responsible for and ordering the materials for the food stand at the Threshermans. Diana was avid at cross-stitch, diamond art, needlepoint, and enjoyed knitting for others. She loved spending time taking care of her family and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her husband of almost 49 years, James D. Stern of Pinckneyville, IL; two sons, Benjamin (Leslie) Stern of St. Peters, MO and Tyler Stern of Pinckneyville, IL; one brother, Everett (Kathy) Blackwell of Murphysboro, IL; one sister, Barbara (J.D.) Hughes of Murphysboro, IL; two grandchildren, Jose Lopez and Laura Lopez of St. Peters, MO; one aunt, Betty King of Murphysboro, IL; one uncle, Rob Willis of Murphysboro, IL; one niece, Megan (Blake) Brown of St. Peters, MO; one nephew, Todd Hughes of Murphysboro; and a special friend, Diane Pulke Stein of Pinckneyville, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Kathryn Ann "Kay" Blackwell; one brother, Phillip Elmer Blackwell; and one aunt, Andi Willis.
Memorial services will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Carl Schrage officiating.
Memorial visitation will be at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Camp Ondessonk.
What’s your fondest memory of Diana Ilse?
What’s a lesson you learned from Diana Ilse?
Share a story where Diana Ilse's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Diana Ilse you’ll never forget.
How did Diana Ilse make you smile?