Diane Rathjen

Diane Jane Rathjen, 79, of Aurora, died Monday, August 7, 2023, in Memorial Community Care Center in Aurora, surrounded by her family.  Diane’s life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Curran Funeral Chapel.  The Rev. Andrew Springer will officiate.  Diane requested to be cremated; there is no visitation. Memorials are suggested to Aurora Adopt-A-Pet. You are encouraged to sign Diane’s guestbook at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under her obituary.  Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting with arrangements.
Diane was born, July 18, 1944 at Friend.  She is the daughter of Elmer Henry William and Myrtle Helen (Dittmer) Waterman.  She grew up in Ohiowa.  She graduated from Beatrice High School in 1963.  Diane married Leslie Dean Rathjen on October 20, 1963, at Beatrice.  She was a stay-at-home mom and later obtained her CNA license working at a local nursing home.  Diane worked in a daycare and then became an in-home child care provider retiring in 2000.  She became a grandma in 2001 and 2005.
Diane is survived by one son and daughter-in-law:  Kevin S. and Kam Rathjen of Grand Island, grandchildren, Kormic and Brinn Rathjen; daughters:  Michelle “Mikki” R. Rathjen of Aurora, Anita K. Rathjen-Stevens of LaVista; one sister:  Barbara Niday of Beatrice.
Diane is preceded in death by her father Elmer Waterman, mother Myrtle “Merna” H. Waterman, brother-in-law, Dale Niday, and Leslie Dean Rathjen.