Diane A. (Schwandt) Decowski

Diane Arline Decowski, age 75, passed away on November 1, 2024, in Mishawaka, Indiana after a three year battle with cancer. She was born October 28, 1949, in Paynesville, Minnesota, to Norman and Beatrice (Monson) Schwandt, both deceased. Diane graduated from Paynesville High School. In December 1971 she married Joseph Charles Rutten, who passed away in April 1975 after a battle with cancer. In December 2004 she married Robert F. Decowski who passed away in May 2020 from cancer. After living her entire life in Minnesota, she moved out of state in September 2021 to spend time between Vermont and Indiana with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her children: Sara (James) Powell of Georgia, Vermont and Andy (Elisabeth) Rutten of Mishawaka, Indiana.  Her grandchildren are Calvin James Powell, Cole Joseph Powell, Elliot Newell Powell, Noah Robert Powell, Joseph Anthony Rutten, Matthew Warren Rutten, and Elanor Grace Rutten. Her surviving siblings are Ken, Keith, Kathy, Karlene, Roseanne, twin-brother Dennis, Lynda, Richard, Steven and Marilee.

A Memorial Gathering will be held in her hometown of Paynesville, MN at Crystal Hills Assembly (26754 Hwy 55) on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 2pm. Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Osceola, Indiana is handling her arrangements.

Diane became a single mother after the passing of her first husband. She devoted herself to raising her two young children, instilling in them strong values of hard work, honesty and integrity. She worked as a mortgage insurance administrator for over 40 years, remaining a constant presence and a wealth of knowledge at the company, which began as North Star Title and changed ownership numerous times.

In addition to her career, Diane loved to read and volunteered at the local library. She had a passion for travel, particularly to warmer climates, and loved to spend time by the ocean. Known for her generosity, she enjoyed shopping not just for herself but also for her family and friends, and her thoughtfulness in giving will be greatly missed.

Above all Diane was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her dedication to her family made it easy for her next-of-kin to care for her in her final years. Her love, laughter and the moments spent with her family will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diane's memory to the Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or foundationforhospice.org/donate /. To share a story of Diane’s life or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.