Diana K. Long

Diana Kaye Long, 74, of Galesburg, died peacefully Monday, February 1, 2021 at home. Diana was born May 28, 1946 in Galesburg, the daughter of Ralph Clyde and Lucille Helen (Filich) Thielbert.  She married Paul W. Long on April 21, 1974 in Galesburg.  He survives, as does one son, Brian J. (Chantel) Long of Springfield and their children, Jaden, Falyn, and Kelan; two step sons, Michael (Tricia) Long of Overland Park, KS and their children, Logan and Jillian; Paul Anthony Long of Illinois and his children, Samantha and Tabitha; three step daughters, Deborah (Todd) Anderson of Macon, MO and their children, Kurtis and Ashley; Cori (Thom) Rilliet of Kanehoe, HI and their child, Kai; Christine (Mark) Werner of Florida and their children, Ian and Dexter; and one sister, Rebecca A. Crumm of Arizona; along with many nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren.  Along with her parents, Diana was preceded in death by one step-daughter, Teresa J. Scott; and four brothers, Daniel Lee Thielbert, Donald Thielbert, R. David Thielbert, infant brother, Daniel Dean Thielbert. Diana was a member of the last graduating class of Corpus Christi High School in 1964 and then attended Brown’s Business College.  She worked as an installment loan officer at F&M Bank for 10 years, and then went to work at State Farm Insurance, and eventually retired from the Hallmark Store. She was a devout catholic, longtime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and served on the CCA Board and treasurer at Costa Catholic Academy.  Diana was a member of the Junior Women’s Club of Knoxville and enjoyed playing cards including Bridge and board games. Diana loved life.  She loved helping people, was a kind and generous soul to all those who knew and loved her.  She will be deeply missed.  She enjoyed cooking and doing yardwork and attending all her children’s and grandchildren’s events.  She could always be found cheering them on.  She was devoted to her family, especially her husband Paul and was proud to be called grandma.  Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, February 8, 2021 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with the rosary being prayed at 11 a.m.  The funeral mass will follow the rosary. The funeral mass may be viewed virtually at https://portal.midweststreams.com/services/watch/TMN9Z75yxL Cremation will be accorded following mass and private family burial of cremated remains will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Galesburg. A Celebration of Life will be 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, May 28, 2021 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Activity Hall, Galesburg.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made in Diana’s memory to American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or the Disabled American Veterans.