Diane M. Denlinger

Diane M. Denlinger, 65, went to Heaven on Monday, January 26th, 2026 surrounded by her family following a courageous and faith-filled fight with ALS for over six years.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Sunday, February 1st, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 2595 Rockdale Road. Prior to the visitation, a wake service will be held at 2:45 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, at St. Joseph Key West Church, with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Interment will take place following the Mass at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

She was born on November 4th, 1960, at Xavier Hospital in Dubuque to John and Rosalee (Laughlin) Donahue. She was raised at the Donahue farm on Higginsport Road. This is where the importance of faith, family, hard work, and toughness were instilled in her.

She graduated from Dubuque Senior in 1979. She went on to complete nursing school at NICC and The University of Dubuque. She married Phil on June 22nd, 1991, at St. Theresa Church. Together they raised three kids: Tanner, Halie, and Abbie. She was very proud of them for choosing careers of service - a firefighter, a teacher, and a nurse. She was a dedicated nurse for 42 years. Many of these years were spent at Finley Hospital and most recently Mount Saint Francis, where she truly enjoyed caring for the sisters.

Diane's Catholic faith was important to her, and she lived it out in many ways. She was an active member at St. Joseph Key West Parish, serving on the Green Team, Social Justice Committee, and St. Vincent de Paul Society. She was passionate about helping the poor and less fortunate. Her unwavering faith carried her through all of her hardships.

Diane's family was everything to her, her greatest joy was caring for them and being fully present in their lives. Other hobbies included playing softball, gardening, baking, and enjoying the outdoors.

She is survived by her husband, Phil; children, Tanner Denlinger, Halie (Haris) Takes, and Abbie Denlinger (Zach); siblings, Sheila (Don) Feipel, Gail (Dave) Ploessl, Kevin (Karen) Donahue, Julie (Mike) Winker and Mike (Diana) Donahue; aunt, Sr. Elizabeth Donahue, OSF; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Rosalee; mother- and father-in-law, Martin and Jean Denlinger; and a special uncle, Jerry Donahue.

We sincerely thank our mother's siblings and friends, the St. Joseph Key West community, the sisters and staff of Mount St. Francis, and Hospice of Dubuque for their incredible love, support, and prayers. While we may not be able to thank each person individually for their kindness and compassion, please know that you are appreciated beyond measure.