Dian L. Schmidt, age 77 of Davis, IL, passed away at home with her beloved family on Friday, October 6, 2023. Dian without the 'e' was as original and unique as her name. She was a person who actually listened to you.

Born March 27, 1946, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Anthony and Lorene (Fischer) Baranowski, she spent her early years in Chicago. She grew up with gymnastics, roller skating, softball and caring for her little sister and brother. She was a graduate of Farragut High School in Chicago, IL. Dian married Larry Schmidt on April 17, 1965.

Dian was a proud homemaker, and terrific cook, famous for her vegetable soup. She lovingly raised her family for 15 years before going to work as a Food Service Director for area school. This was her favorite job. She loved kids and was a mom to many. Children filled her heart. Their home had an open-door policy for young people that needed an accepting, loving home.

Most of all, Dian loved spending time with her family. It was a great joy for her to host family gatherings. She was a member of the Comic Canoe and Cycling Club and loved being on the lake. She collected Depression glass and still ate CoCo Wheats. Dian enjoyed traveling, spending vacations in Florida, Minocqua, WI, and visiting her sister in Arizona. She always over packed. Dian was unbelievably generous with the most thoughtful gifts. Her family is grateful to have had her and she will be greatly missed.

Dian is survived by her husband, Larry Schmidt of Davis; son, David (Karen) Schmidt of Rock City, IL; daughter, Lorrie (Jeff) Sterling of Chippewa Falls, WI; grandchildren, Shelby (Kyle) Handlen, Morgan (Tyler) Leffelman, Brock (Marissa Kelsey) Duncan, Devon Sterling, and Austin Sterling; great grandchild, Caden Handlen; sister, Barbara (Brian) Barth of Casa Grande, AZ; mother, Lorene Baran of Dixon, IL; sister-in-law, Stacy Baranowski of La Porte City, IA; nieces, Krissy Glaze and Dana Howell; nephew, Tony Baranowski; and several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Anthony Baranowski; brother, Anthony Baranowski Jr.; and nephew, Bobby Schuma.

Dian's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to "Dian's Girls" and the rest of her Para Posse for taking such great care of Dian and Larry over the last several years.

Cremation rites are being accorded. A celebration of life will be held on December 9, 2023 from 12:30 to 4:00 at Davis Town and Country. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice, SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education), or St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The family is being as sisted by the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home of Dakota, IL. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.