Mrs. Diane F. Fichtel's Obituary
Mrs. Diane F. Fichtel, age 66, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday morning, April 5, 2015. She was born on March 21, 1949 in Muskegon, MI to Neal and Grace (Burdick) Lindale. In 1974 she married Dieter R. Fichtel and he preceded her in death on September 29, 1998. Together they were blessed with two sons, Mark and Peter. Diane graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central in 1967. She then attended Muskegon Community College and graduated from Grand Valley with a bachelor’s degree in 1971. Diane was instrumental in launching the all-day alternate day kindergarten program at Holton Schools that eventually led to the first all-day kindergarten program in the area. She taught at Holton School for 37 years before retiring in 2008. She loved her job and took great pride in her students’ lives. She was known to follow her students all the way through school, and upon their high school graduation, would send them a card with a picture from their first day in kindergarten. Diane was active in two retired teachers groups; the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel and the MEA-Retired. She was also involved with the Holton Education Association where she had served as building representative and a negotiator. Diane was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she was active with the Altar Society, helping in the kitchen for various dinners, and volunteering her time to clean. She loved to read, watch TV (often times competing with her son Peter over a game of Jeopardy). Diane also enjoyed working in her garden, reading, and going to the movies every Friday night for the past 20 years with her good friend Julie. Diane was a caring, intelligent, selfless, and generous person. Most important to her were Faith, Family and Friends. Diane is survived by her two sons, Mark D. Fichtel and Peter R. Fichtel, both of Muskegon; one sister, Gloria K. Lindale; one brother, John J. (Jacquelyn) Lindale; special friends, Julie, Sue, Sandie, Laura, Joanne, Rosemary, Carol, Margie, Pat, Donna, Sparky, Virginia, Sherry and many others; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. In addition to her husband, Diane was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Neal “Sandy” Lindale, Jr. Diane’s MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Antony Britto presiding. VISITATION will be from 6-8 PM Friday, April 10, 2015 at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., 231-798-1100 with the ROSARY prayed at 6:00 PM. For a more lasting MEMORIAL, please consider the American Cancer Society.
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