Dianne Carolyn Vachula

Dianne Carolyn Henning Vachula passed away August 31, 2025 at age 87. Dianne was born to Frederick Joseph Henning and Hazel Lillian Krueger Henning on October 26, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois. Dianne's favorite place, as a child, was Waupaca, Wisconsin at a lakefront cabin where she spent summers with her beloved fraternal grandparents Frederick Charles Henning and Theresa (Rosie) Krois Henning. "Little" Grandma and Grandpa lived in the upstairs flat of the Chicago two flat where Dianne and sister Barbara grew up with their parents. Dianne loved having her grandparents so close. She continued to love the water as an adult. Many happy times were spent floating in a tube on the lake wearing a sun hat with can of 'pop' in hand at Ed and Dianne's lake house in Wisconsin. Dianne was a graduate of Amundsen High School in Chicago Illinois. She married Edward "Ed" Robert Vachula in May 1957. Dianne loved to work. She enjoyed clerical work and was employed in banking, a neighborhood drug store, front offices at various Chicago Public Schools, an insurance broker, a pest control company and a beauty salon. Her desire to work and ability to budget provided college educations for both children. As an accomplished pianist, Dianne played complex music from memory. Ed loved to listen and watch her play her baby grand piano. Dianne loved to play card games including Pinochle and Canasta. She enjoyed watching a riotous game of "War" or "Spoons" when her children and their cousins played and then when her grandchildren played. And all of her life, Dianne loved dogs.Boots, Penny, Cocoa and Peanut. Dianne's husband of 57 years, Ed Vachula died in July 2013. Dianne and Ed were parents of two children, Janet L. Vachula Byers (Robert) and Edward J. "Eddie" Vachula (the late Mona) who survive. She loved them so much and was so proud of her grandchildren Andrew Scott Byers, Phillip Edward Byers, Richard Scott Vachula and Suzanne Mae Vachula. They were her joy. When Dianne met her great grandson Henry Scott Byers for the first time, her face showed pure delight. Barbara Joan Henning Pontius (Ronald) of San Clemente, California, Dianne's sister, predeceased her in 2017. Dianne is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews in California as well as nieces, nephews and cousins in the Chicago area. Dianne's maternal grandparents were Charles Theodore Krueger and Emma Schwaininger Krueger, both of Chicago. Mom will be remembered for loving her family fiercely, her infectious laugh, her great sense of humor and her lovely smile. As mom directed, cremation will be followed by private interment beside her husband, parents and grandmother. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dianne, please visit our Tree Store.