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Diane Lynn Hinke was born on September 10, 1953, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Arnold and Zetta (Rohlk) Nielsen. She graduated from Orange High School in Waterloo in 1971 and went on to earn an associate’s degree in interior design from Hawkeye Institute of Technology in 1974. Diane worked for many years as a unit secretary at Sartori Hospital and was also the owner of A-1 Pest Control.
On August 14, 1976, she married Jim Hinke at Trinity American Lutheran Church in Waterloo. Diane was an active member of the Cedar Falls Women’s Club, the Northern Iowa Pond Club, and Nazareth Lutheran Church. She had a deep love for animals and was completely devoted to her family.
Diane passed away on January 12, 2025, at her home in Cedar Falls. She is survived by her husband, Jim Hinke of Cedar Falls; her sons, Lucas (Megan) Hinke of Bondurant, Iowa, and Jared Hinke of Cedar Falls; and her grandchildren, Wyatt, Miles, Peyton, and Tucker Hinke.
She is also survived by her brother, Greg (Susan) Nielsen of Waterloo; her niece, Hillary (Eric) Anniss, and their children, Claire and Eli, of Waterloo; her nephew, Bryce (Sarah) Nielsen, and children Brenna of Readlyn, Iowa and Gavin of Waterloo, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Nazareth Lutheran Church, 7401 University Avenue, Cedar Falls. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m.at the church, with lunch served afterward.
Diane’s kindness, dedication, and love will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Memorials may be directed to the Black Hawk County humane society or the Cedar Falls women's club.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
965 Home Plaza, Waterloo, IA 50701
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