Diane Kay Gleason

Diane Kay Gleason, 71, a baptized and confirmed member of the Christian faith, died Feb. 20, 2018, at JourneyCare Hospice in Woodstock.

She is survived by three children, Susan Stelford (Roscoe), Byron Gleason Jr. (Karin), and Nancy Gleason; four grandchildren, Alex Stelford, Samantha Stelford, Hannah Gleason and Bryce Gleason; and a brother, Alfred Jeske Jr. She was preceded in death by a sister, Jacqueline Jeske; two brothers, Charles and Edward Jeske; and a daughter, Janet Gleason.

Diane was born in Blue Island, the daughter of Alfred and Catherine (Lyons) Jeske and grew up in Harvey,  graduating from Thornton Township High School. She lived and raised her family first in Oak Forest and then in Algonquin. In addition, Diane worked for many years in administrative assistant positions, including at the Sears corporate headquarters in Hoffman Estates. Upon retiring from Sears, she moved to Fletcher, North Carolina, where she worked for LifeGains Inc., a foster-care agency.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was affectionately known as “Bada,” a nickname given by her grandchildren. She loved children, hosting holiday dinners and family gatherings and having sleepovers with the grandchildren. Diane was a longtime member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, having over the years attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Algonquin, Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Asheville, North Carolina, and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake.

A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3, at DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral & Cremation Service, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. The family will greet friends an hour before the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org/donate) and/or Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School, 51 Wilburn Place, Asheville, NC 28806.