Diane Mary Sokolik
May 02, 1951 — August 22, 2023
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Service Details
Diane Mary Sokolik, age 72, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at her home in Des Moines.
Diane was born May 2, 1951. Her parents, Edward and Mary (Patten) Sokolik, raised her in Des Moines, along with her older sister, Rosemary.
Diane went to St. Joseph Academy (now Dowling High School), graduating in 1969. Diane went to Mundelein College of Loyola University in Chicago, earning a bachelor’s in history and secondary education in 1973. She worked in the Chicago area for years. She was employed there by Resource Information Management Systems, IDX Corporation, and Business Systems of America.
After moving back to hometown Des Moines, she worked as a patient account representative and technical writing analyst with Iowa Health Systems. She also was employed at Wellmark Blue Cross / Blue Shield as a training specialist, and senior coordinator of training and quality control, from 1974-1986.
She earned a Master’s of Public (Business) Administration from Drake University in 1973. She was elected a member of the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration.
Diane enjoyed traveling, animals, and volunteered with many organizations. More than anything, she was the family historian, poring over files to document the extended family’s history. She even went to Salt Lake City with an aunt to find family records. Her research found descendants all the way to the Revolutionary War — including the Sokolik, Kipp, Bueter, Patten families and beyond.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Mary Sokolik, her sister, Rosemary Sokolik, and numerous aunts and uncles.
Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Sept. 5, 2023, at the Basilica of St. John, 1915 University Ave., Des Moines, followed by a Mass at noon. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines after the service.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be distributed among Diane’s many favorite charities.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Marcia E Holsinger
09/04/2023
I first met Diane at Girl Scout Camp Sacajawea when we were assigned to the same unit in 1971. She was a Unit Counselor and I was on the waterfront staff. The kids truly loved her energy and her sense of humor. She connected with them and inspired them throughout the summers she worked there. Diane's camp name was "Snoopy" and she was just a delight to work with in those early years. Her sister, Rosemary "Soaky", also worked at camp and was my first camp counselor when I was a camper in 1965. They were both dedicated to their roles as camp counselors and provided inspiring leadership that made a difference in the lives of those young girls. I am so lucky to have known them both. My heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends. Peace. Marcia Holsinger "Patches".
Linda Murphy
09/03/2023
I met Diane and her Mother Mary a few years ago when they lived at the Reserve. I took them Holy Communion on Sundays. Their hospitality was wonderful and our visits were so pleasant and always interesting, they felt like family to me. I miss them. Gods peace be with all of you. Keeping you in prayer.
Linda Murphy, OFS
Linda (Stanfield) Hennings
09/02/2023
Dear family and friends of Diane,
My sincere sympathy and love to you. I've lost my closest childhood friend. Diane and I shared so many fun days together while living on 20th Place. We lived right next door to one another for lots of memorable years. We saw each other almost every single day, Summertime included lunches on picnic tables, playing croquet, dress up time with a treasure of clothes, hats, purses, and jewelry provided by her mother Mary. We loved the ice cream man who often came down our street for cold treats, Kool-aid stands, making crafts, playing board games, swimming at Birdland pool, trips to the corner grocery store, and to Katz Drug Store, where we fished for a free goldfish for years. We just had the best childhood in our delightful neighborhood. Diane and I always got along perfectly. We were the middle kids between her older sister Rosemary, and my younger brother Tommy. Always happy girls we were, sharing tons of giggles. I treasure all the great times with Diane. Her joyful spirit will always remain in my heart.
Peggy Doane
08/31/2023
Prayers and sympathy to the family. Diane and I enjoyed taking trips together, from Alaska to British Isles, to Europe.❤