Diane E. Reimer

Born December 28, 1934 in Flushing, New York, to Helen and Arthur Emerson, Diane Emerson passed away on November 27, 2013. The curly-haired brunette thought the outdoors was the only place to be, particularly after the family moved to Twin Falls in southern Idaho in l950. Diane received a degree in Journalism from Colorado Women's College, Denver, after graduation from Twin Falls High School. The Reimer family made its home in Grand Junction for many years. Winters were spent skiing at Powderhorn, summers at Grand Junction Eagles and JUCO baseball games as well as state competitive swimming events. Reimer was a reporter for the Grand Junction Morning Sun in the mid-fifties. A political "junkie," she was active in Mesa County and various state political activities. She became involved with the original Hilltop House Rehabilitation Center in its infancy and was instrumental in the organization of its first Auxiliary. Reimer always said Hilltop membership was the most rewarding thing in her life next to being a wife and mother! During 25 years of affiliation, Reimer served a term as chairman of the Hilltop board as well as numerous other positions as Hilltop expanded and grew. In the l980's, Reimer was named Director of the Home Builders Association of Northwestern Colorado. She handled all political activities for the association and was involved in initiating its annual Home and Garden Show. She began commuting to Denver in 1987 to serve the Colorado Association of Home Builders as its State Capitol lobbyist. After 10 years at Home Builders, Reimer was hired by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies to chair its legislative program and all lobbying activities. She later accepted a position with the Colorado Department of Revenue as its legislative director and lobbyist. She earned the respect of a host of legislators and staff during 20 years at the State Capitol. Reimer has been active the past nine years with St. Peter Lutheran Church where she participated with Altar Guild, DESIGN (Doing Everything Simply in God's Name), Covenant Cupboard food bank, and other activities. Spending time with her grandchildren was her most meaningful activity. A lover of books, Reimer made every effort to instill that love in her grandchildren. Visits to book stores with Nicholas and Hunter to purchase selections was a special outing. Seeing the world through the eyes of her grandchildren was especially meaningful. Watching eldest grandson Ryan graduate from the CU Boulder was a huge thrill. Listening to Matthew's entrepreneurial plans always captured her attention with great delight. In the summer of 2008, a trip to Cooperstown Dream's Park, NY where grandson J.R. (Jonathan) pitched outstanding baseball for his team was the cause for much cheering. Survivors include her husband, Dick, of 59 years; a son, Steve Reimer (Deborahanne) of Lake Forest, Illinois; a daughter, Jodi Reimer Tompkins (Jim) of Denver; five grandsons, Ryan (Kathryn), Matt, Nicholas, Jonathan and Hunter; a brother, Art Emerson (Jessie) of Portland; nephews, Callan (Brenda) Emerson of Boise; Randal Emerson (Patty) of Portland; a brother-in-law, Robert Reimer of Marion, IL. A daughter, Lori Reimer Nimmerfroh, preceded Reimer in death as did a favorite niece, Kristin Mayrie Emerson and a sister-in-law, JoLinda Reimer of Marion, IL. Grateful and proud to be an American, Reimer loved the Fourth of July along with the patriotic music and flag flying that accompanied it. She considered the freedom United States citizens have the greatest in the world, and thanked God she had the opportunity to read about Lincoln, Washington, Franklin and so many others who gave so much to make this nation strong. Having grown up near the ocean, Reimer enjoyed the ocean and walking barefoot in the sand! She thought everyone should slow down and watch a baseball game whether a grandson's or the Colorado Rockies. Services will be held Saturday, December 7, 10:30 AM at St Peter Lutheran Church, 9300 E Belleview Ave, Greenwood Village. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to Hilltop Rehabilitation Hospital, 1100 Paterson Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81506. Please share condolences at HoranCares.com.