Dianna Fricke

1970 - 2024

Dianna Fricke

August 16, 1970 - July 12, 2024

Meridian, Idaho - On Friday, July 12, 2024, loving daughter and devoted friend Dianna Fricke of Meridian, ID, age 53, passed away peacefully in her home. She leaves behind scores of friends, family, and food industry colleagues broken hearted at the news of her passing.

Dianna was born on August 16, 1970 in Pocatello ID to Marcia Ann (Mosman) Fricke and Terry Sparling. She is survived by her mother, Marcia Ann (Mosman) Fricke, aunts and uncles Diane Mosman, Lewiston ID, Carol (George) Windle, Meridian ID, Nancy (Bob) Bochsler, Meridian ID, Doreen (Pat) Schmidt, Peck ID, Joann (Chuck) Forsman, Lewiston ID, many cousins with children, and her French Bulldogs, Roux and Guiness. Dianna is preceded in death by her adoptive father, Theodore Fricke, Meridian ID, father Terry Sparling, and uncles Bob and David Mosman, and Guiness and Tootsie, her beloved English Bulldogs.

Dianna was known for many things, above all, her love for animals and children, developing a special fondness for the four-legged ones as a small child, growing up alongside the family bird dogs. Ask a friend with children and you can bet they learned to make cupcakes in her kitchen. Ask a friend with a dog and they've been welcomed with open paws to the collective pack: Dianna and Roux and Guiness. When a friend's beloved Cairn Terrier passed away, Dianna was the first person called. She dropped everything and showed up to provide aid and comfort, because that was what Dianna did.

To her friends, Dianna will be remembered as fiercely loyal, true of heart, and able to whip up the tastiest, most mouthwatering pastries on the planet just because she had some ingredients that needed using. Wherever she was, whatever she was doing, Dianna carried it off with grace and style, making the most complex of projects seem easy. Whether working the kitchen among peers at a multinational foodservice company or helping a friend with a backyard BBQ, Dianna was inspired while inspiring others. The first step of course: making a to-do list in her impeccable handwriting.

Dianna received her Certificate in Culinary Arts with Honors in 1991 from the Western Culinary Institute in Portland OR. She went on to receive her B.S. in Nutrition & Dietetics with Honors from Idaho State University (ISU) in Pocatello, later earning her Certified Working Pastry Chef title from the American Culinary Foundation (ACF) in 1999. Dianna remained active in her local ACF chapter.

After graduating from ISU, Dianna accepted an internship with the J.R. Simplot Company Food Group (JRS) in Boise and went on to make history. She blazed a trail as the first woman to receive her Certified Research Chef credentials from the Research Chefs Association (RCA) and the first woman chapter president of the Idaho Chefs de Cuisine. In 2015, Dianna was honored by the RCA when she was named the recipient of the annual President's Award.

Among foodservice professionals, Dianna will be remembered for her panache and winning smile under pressure. She embraced collaboration with enthusiasm and was a beloved mentor to many. Dianna's professional trajectory continued its climb throughout her career, from intern, to research chef, and culminating in the top culinary position at JRS.

An active RCA board member for years, Dianna participated in the Women Chefs and Restaurateurs and Women's Foodservice Forum professional organizations. Notable awards and acknowledgements include: 2018 Top Spud Winner at the Spud Nation Throwdown Issued by World Potato Expo, 2015 RCA President's Award from the Research Chefs Association, 2015 ACF Presidential Medallion from the American Culinary Federation.

An avid traveler, Dianna leaves behind friends across the globe who will mourn this loss to our world and our kitchens. A Celebration of Life is planned on September 14, 2024 in Boise. In remembrance of Dianna's life and love, we ask that any charitable donations be made to the Idaho Humane Society.