She attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where she majored in psychology and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1990.
Diane began her service in the Federal government working for the U.S. Department of Transportation as she worked her way through college. After graduating from the University, she continued to work for the Federal Highway Administration until being hired as an investigator with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When she retired, she was the FMCSA Division Administrator of the Nebraska Division Office. Diane spent her entire career of 35 years advocating for highway, driver, and vehicle safety.
Diane married the love of her life in August of 1990. Cory never left her side for 32 years and became her full-time caregiver when she was diagnosed with ALS in 2020.
In addition to her husband Cory, Diane is survived by sisters Donna Neill and Deb Stevenson; brothers Dean (Deb) Svehla and Dale (Holly) Svehla; parents-in-law Marvin and Janet Podany; sisters and brothers in-law Trish and James Lenz, Greg and Robyn Podany, and Victoria and Bruce Orman; 21 nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents LeRoy and Norma Svehla; brother-in-law Stephen Neill; grandparents John and Mary Svehla; and Albin and Josephine Shonka.
Family will greet beginning 10:00 a.m. at the church. Rosary: 11:00 a.m. Saturday (10-29-22) North American Martyrs Church, 1101 Isaac Drive followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m.
Memorials to the family, ALS in the Heartland, or Catholic Social Services.