Diane R. Zerby

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend Diane Ruth Zerby passed away peacefully on February 20, 2025, at the age of 68, surrounded by her family after a sudden, short battle with cancer.

Diane was born on November 30, 1956, to her mother, Lorraine Kupfer (deceased) and father, Otto “Al” Kupfer (deceased). Diane and her older brother Alan Kupfer were raised in the Chicagoland area and Diane went on to attend Elmhurst College in Illinois. It was here that Diane met the love of her life, Dan Zerby, and they married on March 29, 1980. Diane and Dan went on to raise a family of four amazing children: Darlene Zerby, Daniel Zerby II (Rachel), David Zerby (Erica), and Dean Zerby (Kendall). Diane and Dan built their dreamhouse in Harvard, IL from the ground up to raise their family and make many memories over the years.

Diane worked as a substitute teacher in Harvard, IL for a short period of time, before working at Bagmakers, in Union IL, where she worked up until her passing. Diane was a dedicated employee who enjoyed her job and especially enjoyed the people she worked with; her co-workers were very dear to her. As much as Diane enjoyed her work, being a mother and wife were her top priorities.

Diane was the “suzy homemaker” and collector. She LOVED collecting cows and Mickey Mouse memorabilia. Sometimes walking into their house was like walking into the Disney store! During Christmas, Diane and Dan even had themed Christmas trees, and yes one was Mickey! Diane, however, was famously known for her cookie baking around Christmas. She would make millions of cookies! Well, there probably would have been millions, if her boys didn’t sneak in and eat them all while she was baking…however, everyone looked forward to her cookies every year! Diane also enjoyed scrapbooking and looking at pictures of her children and grandchildren.

Diane instilled kindness and generosity in her children which followed them into adulthood. She had the biggest heart and always thought of others first. She was so proud of all four of her children and the amazing adults they had become, especially Darlene. At the time of her death Diane had four cherished grandchildren: Daniel Zerby III (6), Hannah Zerby (3), Jackson Zerby (3), and Avery Zerby (7 months). Diane was ecstatic to be a grandmother, often referring to the children as “oh what a doll!” The grandchildren loved to see their grandma too, or as Hannah called her “Mamaw”.

To say Diane will be missed is an understatement because her presence was such a glue to the entire family. However, Diane made sure to pass down her wisdom, love, kindness, passions, and memories to her children who will keep her traditions alive and pass it on to their kids. Her love and life will never be forgotten.

A visitation will be held on March 8, 2025, at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St. Harvard, IL 60033 from 8-10am, with a service following from 10-11am. Please feel free to come pay your respects, if you would like to wear blue, that was Diane’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, the Zerby family asks for donations to the Glioblastoma Research Organization:

Glioblastoma Research Organization

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.