Diane Neibel
November 16, 1939 - September 28, 2025
Diane B. Neibel, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Avenue 81 Assisted and Independent Living in Overland Park, Kansas, after a courageous battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Born on November 16, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Olive Peterson and Frank Bachus, Diane developed a strong spirit and quick wit in her youth that carried through her life. She graduated from North High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Diane dedicated her early years to raising her three children - Neil, Natalie, and Nile Nelson - instilling in them resilience, humor, and love. She was a deeply devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose greatest joy and life's mission was caring for her family. Diane loved fiercely in this life. She poured her love into every meal she prepared, every stitch that she sewed, and every act of kindness that she gave. Through her unwavering devotion, she created a home filled with warmth, comfort, beauty, and love. Her legacy lives on in the traditions that she passed down, memories that she created, and the family that she cherished above all else.
She was married first to Arvid E. Nelson Jr. (deceased) and later to Oliver J. Neibel Jr. (deceased), with whom she shared many years of companionship and love.
Diane will be remembered for her unique style, her passion for contemporary art and architecture, and her talent as a seamstress in her younger years. She delighted in shopping, had a flair for design, and was well known for her wit and fluent sarcasm, which kept those around her smiling. A lifelong dog lover, she cherished the companionship of her pets throughout her life.
She is survived by her three children, Neil, Natalie, and Nile; her four grandchildren, Agnes Aycock, Tristan Aycock, Ariana Nelson, and Olivia Nelson; as well as dear friends Sami Obermeier, Pam Leaman, and many others who were blessed to know her. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Arvid and Oliver; her close friend, Jeannie Smith; and other loved ones who welcomed her home. Her family surrounded Diane at the time of her passing.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 9:00–10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. with a reception to follow, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 7909 Mormon Bridge Rd, Omaha, NE 68152.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the COPD Foundation or the
American Lung Association in Diane's memory.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." - Psalm 23
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of Avenue 81 Assisted Living and Harbor Hospice of Kansas City for their compassionate care during Diane's final days.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home
7909 Mormon Bridge Rd, Omaha, NE 68152
Published by Omaha World-Herald on Oct. 5, 2025.