Diane Marlene (Vande Hoef) Thompson

thompson-diane_ovalSeptember 9, 1948 ~ November 5, 2016

Diane M. Thompson, 68, Brandon, was received into Heaven, November 5, 2016, at her home surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation with Family will be 5-7pm, Wednesday, November 9, 2016 with a time of sharing at 7, at Heartland Funeral Home. A private burial on Thursday, November 10, will precede the 11am Celebration of Life at Brandon Lutheran Church.

Diane was born on September 9, 1948 to Dick and Esther (Van Wyhe) Vande Hoef, in Orange City, Iowa. In 1949, Diane moved to Artesia, California with her parents where they resided until 1951. The family then moved to a farm near Steen, Minnesota. Diane worked on the farm helping milk the herd of dairy cows. This, along with other chores kept her busy as young girl. She appreciated the farm life and all it had to offer to her family. Diane would live with her family there until September 1967.

In 1964, she fell in love with her High School classmate, Steven Thompson, when they were only 15 1/2 years old. Steve would help Diane on date nights with milking and their closeness grew. First they went “steady”, got engaged and then married on September 16, 1967.

After graduating from Luverne High School in 1966, Diane began her career in bookkeeping. It served her well over her lifetime in a variety of full and part-time positions. In 1968 Steve enlisted in the Army and Diane joined him later in the fall of 1968. They resided in the second of what would later become 11 different homes. In 1969, Diane would again join Steve in the Panama Canal Zone for a year. In 1970, they moved to Killeen, Texas, where they spent a year, until June of 1971. Back to Sioux Falls for a year, then in 1972, the couple moved to Omaha, Nebraska, and then on to Lincoln, Nebraska. In Omaha, Diane gave birth to daughter, Kimberly Brooke. In Lincoln came son, Richard Steven. In 1989, another career move took them to Orange City, Iowa, the place of Diane’s birth. The family would reside there until 2002. Diane worked 11 years for Boonstra Kirby. In 2002, they moved to Brandon, SD. It was there that Diane and Steve founded The 1948 Trading Company and worked in it together until selling it in 2013. In 2006, Diane and Steve were named Brandon, SD business owners of the year.

Along the way, Diane and Steve developed dozens of lifelong lasting friendships. They traveled the United States and Canada extensively together or with their young family. Diane was the “glue” that always held everything together for the busy family. She enjoyed cross-stitch, macramé, crafts, writing letters and cards, golf, card club, and coffee with friends and family.
Her passion for friends and family was fueled by putting everyone else first. Her steady, guiding, loving personality was admired and appreciated by all that she touched.

Her devotion to her husband, children, children’s spouses, grandchildren, and friends is a gift given to many. Her steadfastness and genuine love was also felt by hundreds of friends, relatives, immediate family and strangers alike.

Her husband Steve, daughter Kim, son Rick, daughter-in-law Amy, son-in-law Jesse and grandchildren oldest to youngest; Trey, Brooklyn, Noah, Aspen, Braxton and Cam have received the greatest gift Diane possessed, unconditional love. Her ability to be the matriarch and strength of her family was always present.
Diane reveled in the growth and accomplishments, big or small, of her children and grandchildren. Her example will be in their hearts as they continue to move forward knowing that she is always there in spirit.

A recent text from a close friend on November 5th, the day she went to heaven said it best. “Steve, I listened to you talk about Diane and she was always content with whatever she had throughout your life together, and Diane never really asked for anything.” The Bible verse she shared with me was Philippians 4:12. Our friend went on to say “I can’t say I ever learned that secret myself, but is certainly something to strive for!”

As her husband, I can tell you she was the most “extraordinary ordinary” woman that most of us know or will ever know. Blessed be the memory of a Godly servant of the Lord. Her love will endure with us forever as she now dwells in the house of her creator forever.

Diane will be deeply missed by her husband, Steven; Kimberly (Jesse) Moffitt, Sioux Center, IA and Richard (Amy) Thompson, Brandon; six grandchildren, Trey, Brooklyn, Noah, Aspen, Braxton, and Cam; and three siblings, Elaine (Allen) Boeve, Steen, MN, Ladonna (Jerry) Behnke, Rapid City, and Kevin Vande Hoef, Larchwood, IA.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Esther Vande Hoef; an infant brother, Milo Dean and another brother, Milen Dale.

A trust has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank in Brandon. All memorials will be directed to the Avera McKennan Foundation: Precision Oncology For Cancer Research in memory of Diane.

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  • Joa Berry says:

    Steve and family, my sincere sympathy to you in the loss of Dianne. She was such a sweet person, and as kind as could be. You are in our thoughts and prayers at such a difficult time. Cherish all the many special memories of your wife, Mother, Grandmother and Sister and dear friend. God Bless all of you
    Joan(Aanenson) and Mick Berry

  • Sherry Rynearson says:

    Steve, Rick, and Kim My deepest condolonces to you and your family at the loss of your mom. Your mom was a great inspiration to many and was loved by so many. I remember the days that we had in Omaha and remember learning how to eat with chopsticks. My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you. A candle has been lit at church for your mom. Sherry

  • Sheila Keyman says:

    Steve,
    I was so shocked and sorry to read of Diane’s death! She was such a special lady and even though I didn’t know her real well, I considered her a friend and said many prayers for her! We know she’s in a better place and will suffer no more, but she will be missed!
    Love to you and your family.
    Sheila

  • Nancy kimbell says:

    You will be missed, dear cousin! Heaven welcomed a special soul!

  • Donna Deutsch says:

    Steve and family, My heart goes out to you during this time of great sorrow. Losing someone who has become a part of you in countless ways is never easy. You have been blessed to have had such a beautiful opportunity to experience the richness and enduring joy of loving someone so fully as you keep in your heart the precious love and memories. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Donna Deutsch

  • Harriet (Schelling) Fikse says:

    Steve,so appreciate your strength and support for your soul mate. Leon and I loved playing cards with you and Diane, Elaine and Allen in Washington, thank you Washington cousins!! AND thank you LaDonna for a great cousin’s reunion in the Black Hills! Will be praying for you, Steve, this week and this year.

  • Sharon Rockman says:

    I am sorry for your family and friends loss of one of the kindest and compassionate people I have ever known. Please accept sincere sympathy and prayers for your loss.

  • Judy Toler says:

    The day Diane married my kissin cousin, Steve, she became my cousin, too. Diane was steadfast, kind and gentle and loved being with everyone. The miles between us for all these years didn’t diminish the true kinship and love we held for each other and her presence with us will be missed.

  • Pat Kiebach says:

    Deepest sympathies on the passing of Diane into eternal life with our Lord and Savior. Rest in peace. Dale and Pat Kiebach.

  • Cathy OBrien says:

    Steve and family, I am so sorry for your loss ,Diane was such a kind and wonderful friend to all and she will be missed by so many.I have such great memories of our time in Omaha with our card playing get togethers and the fun we all had. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.

  • Debbie Barmettler says:

    You and Diane and your family are woven throughout my past. So many fond memories of Diane – a very special lady. Love to you and your family.

  • Jennifer (Johanson) Thompson says:

    Steve and family,
    Please accept my condolences as I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Diane. I had enjoyed working next to both of you all those years ago in when the 1948 Trading Co was next to Dixon Family Chiro. She will be missed, may she rest in peace.

    -Jennifer Thompson

  • Walter Eisner says:

    It was always with great anticipation and joy that I saw those wonderful images of a family embracing themselves around Diane. With each passing image it was as if she brightened and illuminated everyone around her. What great teachers Steve and Diane have been to us all. That remains.

  • Sandie and Otto says:

    Steve and family, know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
    Cherish your live time of wonderful memories.
    Our deepest sympathies

  • Connie Meier says:

    So sorry to hear of your sisters’ passing. Remember all the good times you had together and you will forever hold her close to your heart.

  • Dammika Karu & Family says:

    The world has lost an amazing human being, but the angels are celebrating a beautiful and graceful presence. All of us that got to know her, have been blessed and honored. I count myself among the many that will feel her absence, but are so grateful for the influence and love that she has left behind with her children. May God’s grace shine upon you Diane, and may my father, whom I strongly believe has already welcomed you with open arms, help you celebrate your new position in heaven.
    With so much love,
    Dammika Karu

  • Tom and Diane says:

    Steve and Family, our hearts are heavy in the loss of Diane. A beautiful women with a kind gentle spirit. She may be gone but not forgotten. Our love and prayers are with you.

  • Linda Thompson says:

    Steve I was so sorry to hear about Diane. She was always someone I enjoyed seeing she was always a upbeat happy caring person . Who we’ll be greatly missed !
    Linda Thompson
    Ganz rep

  • Dear Steve and Family

    Please accept our most sincere sympathy in the passing of your wonderful wife and mother and our dear friend , Diane.

    we so enjoyed knowing you both in Rocky Point Mexico, and you could see she loved it there,,and reading her obits,, I think she would have followed her Steve to the end of the earth.

    We saw her as a brave woman, not complaining, enjoying the moment, which is a great lesson for all of us!

    WE will always imagine her picking the famous sand dollars at Cholla Bay, she was a real trooper.

    We hope to see you soon
    love
    Chantal, Joe , and Maurina

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