Diane Kay Schwenke

Diane Kay Schwenke (61) passed away at her home near Bonners Ferry, Idaho on October 11, 2008 after battling pancreatic cancer. With the help of Hospice she was able to stay at home and was surrounded by her husband and daughter holding her hand as she passed away peacefully. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 17, 2008 at 1:00pm in the St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bonners Ferry, Idaho with interment following in the Grandview Cemetery. Diane was born on November 4, 1946 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Jerry and Betty Ilkenhons. She attended public schools in Lincoln, Nebraska and graduated from Lincoln School of Business. She married Dean Schwenke on January 15, 1966 in Lincoln, NE. They moved to New York City for a brief period and then on to Nogales, Arizona in mid 1966, where Dean worked on the Southern Border for U.S. Customs. They have one daughter born Lori Ann. In 1974 they moved to the Canadian Border at Turner, Montana where Dean was Port Director of Customs. In January of 1980 Dean was stationed at Porthill, Idaho where he worked until retirement in April of 2004. They both enjoyed living in “God’s country”. Diane belonged to St. Ann’s Catholic Church; she was a member and held the office of president in Xi Alpha Mu (chapter of Beta Sigma Phi). Diane enjoyed crafts; flowers arrangements, sewing, soap making, making jewelry and decorative cards. Her love for her family was very deep and her happiest day was the birth of her granddaughter Quinn. She was a very thoughtful, helpful and grateful loving woman. Diane always had an extra plate ready for anyone who stopped by. She also loved animals very much. She will be missed. Survivors include her husband Dean A. Schwenke; daughter Lori A. Plato and husband Owen V.; granddaughter Quinn J. Plato all of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; brothers Jerry Ilkenhons and wife Sandy of Anchorage, Alaska; and Jan Ilkenhons of Missoula, Montana. The family suggests memorials be made in honor of Diane to Concerned People For Animals, 6649 Pierce St., Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805