Diana Lee Herbst - Lukin

Life will never be the same for many residents of California and Iowa as they have both lost a favorite loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, teacher and friend. Diana Lee Lukin unfortunately has become another victim of Alzheimer’s. This beautiful, lovely soul succumbed to the disease on 10/31/2016. She was diagnosed in the summer of 2012.

Diana and her twin sister Deborah Herbst-Horton were born June 8, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa, to the proud parents, Donald and Kathryn Herbst.

Donald Herbst was a well-respected farm implement dealer and later, a Marketing Manager for International Harvester. His career demands required several family moves from city to city in Iowa and Minnesota. These multiple moves nurtured Diana’s proficiency in making new friends easily and enhanced her “gift of gab”. These abilities would prove very beneficial in her teaching career.

Diana graduated in 1969 from West Des Moines Valley High School. In the fall of 1970, she started her college career at Grand View College and was the President of the Student Body. In the fall of 1971, Diana entered the College of Education at Iowa State University. There she was Resident Advisor, a member of the Iowa State Singers, and preformed with the Boston Pops, conducted by Arthur Fiedler. In 1972, she was crowned Iowa State’s Homecoming Queen. Her poise, beauty, and intelligence were immeasurable.

Diana met her husband, John D. Lukin III and were married June 30, 1973. They too traveled and Diana held many teaching jobs in eight different schools, from North Dakota to Illinois to Iowa, and finally California.

On July 26, 1977, Diana was blessed with a magnificent baby boy, John D. Lukin IV. Diana’s first priority was her son “Johnny”. She was a devoted, loving, encouraging mother to Johnny and most importantly, was his biggest cheerleader from the bleachers at all of his sporting events.

Her latest position was a health and science teacher at Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate. Diana earned her MBA in Administrative Services in 1988. Diana devoted her life to teaching over 5,300 students over her career, making sure each and every student felt safe, confident, and happy. During her career she was involved in many leadership activities, PAL and ASB, and was a mentor teacher. Diana retired from teaching in 2010.

Diana had a love for music, she had an amazing singing voice, and could whistle up a tune. She had a passion for floral decorating and grew beautiful flowers in her garden. She could imitate Lucille Ball and Julie Andrews to a tee. A memorable time enjoying her love for music was in 2014, at the Celtic Woman Christmas show in San Diego, where her daughter-in-law, Missy Lukin, was the concert master.

Diana is survived by her husband, John D. Lukin III, Mission Viejo CA; son, John D. Lukin IV and his wife, Melinda, granddaughter, Mackenzie, 9, and grandson Tyler, 6; twin sister, Deborah Herbst-Horton of Ft. Worth, TX, nieces, Heather and Heidi, also of Ft Worth; sister, Donna Herbst-Irvin of Johnston, IA, nieces, Alisha, Arica, and Adriene Irvin, all of Johnston, IA; brother, Randall Herbst of Hamilton, OH, niece, Rebecca and nephew, Austin Herbst, both of Hamilton, OH; aunt, Carole and uncle, Jerald Hall of Pleasant Hill, IA; and sister-in-law, Patti Schwab of Ohio.

Diana will be greeted in heaven by her parents, Donald and Kathryn Herbst; mother-in-law, Miriam Chambers; niece, Stacey Horton; nephew, Donald R. Herbst; and grandmothers, Bernice Alexander and Mildred Herbst Sayers.

A California memorial service is scheduled:
Saturday, November 19, 2016, at 11:00 AM
San Clemente Presbyterian Church,
119 N. Ave. de la Estrella, San Clemente, CA 92672

An Iowa memorial service is scheduled:
Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at 11:00 AM
Well Covenant Church,
2625 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317

In honor of Diana’s life, please donate generously to the Alzheimer’s’ Orange County, 2515 McCabe Way, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92614.

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