Diane M. Coyle, 77, of East Dubuque, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home with family on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Family and friends will gather 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa, to celebrate Diane’s life, share fond memories and join together in a short prayer at 6:00 p.m.

Diane was born April 19, 1949, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Leroy and Alberta (Erschen) Koerperich. She attended St. Anthony Elementary School and graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School in 1967.

Diane met the love of her life, Patrick Coyle, at a dance, and they were married on February 6, 1970. Together, they built a life centered on family and love, raising their three children, Jennifer, Lisa and Dennis. Diane and Patrick shared more than 53 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2023.

Diane was a very caring and nurturing woman. She cherished her friends and family and nurtured close, meaningful relationships throughout her life. She always looked for the best in people and was eager to help those fortunate enough to know her, regardless of the time or situation. Caring for others was a pillar of Diane’s life and a value she instilled in her children.

Diane praised God every day for the blessings in her life. She could not help but crack a smile when reminiscing about playing pool and eating pizza in her parents’ basement with her lifelong friends Connie Kelley, Donna Lansdown and Mary Rohner. She cherished memories of Linda Krabacher and her son, John, and treasured the times both families spent at Linda’s home just down the road. Her adventures with Linda would become family stories for years to come.

Although Diane’s sister, Rita Menke, no longer lived in Dubuque, they talked almost daily. In doing so, they kept both sides of the family connected by sharing news about Rita and Jerry’s children, Sarah, Nick and Greg, and, later, their grandchildren.

Both families will always remember the Menke family visits to Dubuque in the 1970s and 1980s. On those special trips, the moms eagerly headed out shopping, leaving the six kids and the husbands in the capable hands of Leroy and Alberta, who were very lenient when it came to providing candy and soda to their grandchildren. The moms always returned with buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken and more shopping bags than they could carry, and everyone greeted them with open arms (if not for supper, then for the return to normalcy that mothers always seem to bring to a room of children on sugar highs).

Diane found beauty in life’s simple pleasures. She loved flowers, especially daisies, and nowhere was she happier than in her backyard. Whether relaxing on the porch or gazing out the window, she found joy in watching birds, squirrels and other wildlife that visited her yard. She especially enjoyed the colorful flowers that adorned her deck, lovingly cared for by Jennifer.

Nothing brought Diane greater happiness than her grandsons, Edward and Zachary. She adored them from the moment they were born and took great pride in the young men they have become. The connection they shared was truly special, and she set an example of unconditional love that we can all learn from.

Diane was also blessed with a special relationship with Dennis’ wife, Kimberly, whom she lovingly embraced as her daughter. Their conversations about life, family and everything in between brought Diane tremendous joy. Kimberly held a special place in Diane’s heart, and Diane made sure Kim always felt welcome, loved and part of the family.

More than anything, Diane will be remembered for her kindness, gentle spirit and the unconditional love she gave so freely to her family and friends. She created a home filled with warmth and acceptance, and those fortunate enough to know her were better for having her in their lives.

Diane’s family would like to thank the East Dubuque Public Library for enabling Diane to continue her lifelong love of reading by thoughtfully selecting new adventures for her. They would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to Ryan Onken for his kindness over the years, and his thoughtfulness throughout this difficult time.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Alberta Koerperich, and her dear husband, Patrick.

Those left to cherish Diane’s memory include: her three children, Jennifer Coyle of Dubuque, Iowa; Lisa Coyle of East Dubuque, Illinois; and Dennis (Kimberly Pollock) Coyle of Denver, Colorado; her two grandsons, Edward Paulson and Zachary Paulson; her sister, Rita (Jerry) Menke of Algona, Iowa; her nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Wally.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diane’s name to the East Dubuque Public Library, 122 Wisconsin Avenue, East Dubuque, Illinois 61025.

Cards and memorials in Diane’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn: Diane Coyle Family.