Diane (Stern) Burianek, 75, passed away peacefully with her family and friends by her side at Tabitha in Crete.
She was born April 29, 1949, in Lincoln, to Benjamin and Maxine (Gemmell) Stern. Diane grew up in Pleasant Dale and attended Milford Public Schools. Diane met Richard L. Burianek in Pleasant Dale, and they were united in marriage in July 1968. To this union were born two children, Brian L. Burianek and Brenda A. Kuncl-Carnes. In Diane’s early years, she worked at Stouffer’s Candy as a candy wrapper and Norden Laboratories. After she and Richard moved to the family farm, she was employed by Nestle Purina and retired after 38 years.
Her life was defined by the love for her family. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren in their many activities and enjoyed traveling with them as well. She was thrilled to welcome six great-grandchildren and took great pride in watching them grow. She loved to play cards, travel with family and friends, and visit the various Nebraska passport destinations. Diane enjoyed playing penny slots at the casino and had a passion for shopping, especially garage sales.
She never missed her weekly hair appointment with her stylist, Melanie. She was head of the “Shenanigans Squad” and loved any mischief she could get into with Brenda and her friends. She even carried along her own bottle of ketchup in her purse. Diane was beloved by all who were privileged to know her and will be dearly missed by so many.
She is survived by her husband, Richard Burianek; her son, Brian Burianek of Pleasant Dale; daughter, Brenda Kuncl-Carnes of Crete; grandchildren, Bobby and Telisha Carnes of DeWitt, Kourtney Burianek and Dillon Rademaker of Seward, Kellie and Adam Lundy of Crete, Jennifer and Shane Parker of Crete, and Jeffrey Kuncl of Crete; and great-grandchildren, Brexton, Vera, Allora, Silas, Hudson, and Asher; sisters-in-law, Shirley Mariska of Crete and Carol and Percy Krueger of Sprague; aunt Jan and uncle Duane Philipi of Lexington, aunt Marcia and uncle Kent Stubbendieck of Ohio, aunt Eileen Gemmell of Lincoln; along with nieces, nephews and many close friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Maxine Stern; sister, Sandra Kehm; father and mother-in-law Edward and Evelyna Burianek; brothers-in-law, Neil Mariska and Ralph Kehm; and son-in-law Brian Carnes.
The funeral mass was July 11 at Sacred Heart Church in Crete. Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.
