Diane "Pike" Katherine Herrick

Diane “Pike” Katherine Herrick, 83, of Westminster, peacefully passed away November 4, 2025 surrounded by family in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. She was born on April 28, 1942 in Denver to John Oletski Sr and Margaret (Smole) Oletski. She was the third of seven children.

Diane spent most of her life in the Denver area, where she grew up with her siblings. Diane attended and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1960. Growing up, Diane was quite the swimmer. She had several medals and ribbons to prove it. Deeply devoted to her family, she chose to remain close to them throughout her life. Diane shared a special bond with her sisters, doing everything together and cherishing their relationship even as their families grew.

She was blessed with four children, whom she raised not far from her family in Denver. Diane was actively involved in her children's school. She was one of the founding parents of the $10,000 raffle dance held at Guardian Angels School- which continued until the schools closing in 2024. Diane worked in the family restaurant and loved hosting gatherings. Her home was always full of laughter and love.

A proud Colorado sports fan, Diane could always be found cheering on the Broncos, Rockies, Avalanche, and Nuggets. She loved playing BINGO, Banco, Shuffleboard, and card games. She never missed an opportunity to socialize. Though she was fiercely competitive, she always made sure everyone had fun. Her laughter was contagious, and her jokes unforgettable. She had a gift for bringing joy and light to any situation.

Diane’s heart was as big as her smile. She loved attending her grandchildren's activities, spending time with her family, and visiting with her sisters. She was a regular at the American Legion. She never turned down a sweet treat- especially chocolate cake- which was almost always waiting in her refrigerator.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents John Oletski Sr and Margaret (Smole) Oletski, as well as her siblings Margaret Drobnick, Georgene Sanchez and John Oletski Jr. She is survived by her sisters Wanda Ford, Mary Cessar and Ann Pinelli; her children Linda (Daren) Palizzi, William Herrick II, Mark (Kelly) Herrick, and Brett Herrick; her grandchildren Tyler (Haley) Herrick, Jacqueline Palizzi, Colton (Tiffany) Herrick, Andrew Palizzi, Chase Herrick, Anthony Palizzi, Weston Herrick, Trindon Herrick and Tate Herrick; a well as nine great-grandchildren.

The funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM at Spirit of Christ Catholic Church (7400 W 80th Ave Arvada, CO 80003) on Tuesday November 25th, 2025. Join the family for a reception after the service in the church hall. Burial will follow reception at Mount Olivet Cemetery at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to support a holiday meal for the residents of Diane’s living community- continuing her legacy of generosity and kindness.