Mary Diane Nespital

Mary “Diane” Nespital, 73, of St. Joseph passed away on April 18, 2020 at her home. Diane was born July 4, 1946 in Chicago to Ron and Betty Kuenster. She was the eldest of 7 children. Diane is survived by her husband David Nespital of 44 years, son Jeffrey Nespital of St. Joseph, Mi; daughter Rebecca Nespital of Grand Rapids, Mi; 5 of her siblings: Patricia (Kevin) Wiseman of Burbank, Il; Lois (John) O’Sullivan of Oak Forest, Il; Robert Kuenster of Oak Lawn; Mary (Jerry) Vallos of Lakeland, Fl; and Donna (Pete) Lipira of Oak Forest, Il. Other survivors include father-in-law George Nespital of Niles, Mi; step sister to Pat Waltz of Michigan City, In; Joe (Tere) Coffel of Kennesaw, SC; Terry (Gerry) Ravish of Buchanan, Mi; Roger (Barb) Coffel of Indianapolis, In as well as a loving aunt and great aunt to many. Diane was preceded in death by her parents and sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Charlie Lombardo of Evergreen Park, Il, sister-in-law Evelyn (Mike) Balos of Buchanan, Mi, and many aunts and uncles. Diane grew up on the south side of Chicago and graduated from Academy of Our Lady in Chicago. She worked in downtown Chicago at Humphrey Leather Goods as an executive secretary. After moving to Michigan Diane worked as a secretary for Ford, Bacon and Davis out of Monroe, La writing land access agreements for the Michigan-Wisconsin gas pipeline. Diane later worked for GAB Robins as a secretary for insurance adjusters. Diane liked to travel and party. Along with her best friend, Marilyn, Diane had many adventures. They bought a boat and would store it at Paw Paw Lake where they stayed with a family friend. On one of their first ventures out they saw a man at the boat ramp. He asked, “Can I catch you?” Diane replied, “At what?” Two months later David Nespital asked Diane to be his wife. The two were married on June 28, 1975 in Alsip, Il. Diane always loved children. Due to medical issues Diane and Dave could not have children. They adopted Jeffrey in 1981 and Rebecca in 1986 thus completing their family. Diane was a co-leader of Singing Sands Girl Scout Troop for Becky and a member of Blue Star Mother’s for Jeff when he joined the Army, now currently with the Michigan National Guard. Diane also served as a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church bereavement luncheon group. Diane had a passion for parties and entertaining. One of her favorites was the annual Tree Trim Party. Diane would invite co-workers and friends over to decorate the tree and gather for friendship and food. It was a time all looked forward to. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate any donations be made to South West Michigan Ostomy Support Group, 1234 Napier Ave. St. Joseph, Mi 49085, or to Caring Circle / Hospice of Lakeland (269) 429-7100. Arrangements have been made through Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph, Mi (269) 556-9450 and Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, Oak Lawn, Il (708) 255-0500. Burial will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Oak Lawn, Il on April 23, 2020 following a private service. There will be a Celebration of Life service at a later date.