MADISON - Diane Denise Iverson, age 85, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at Meriter Hospital surrounded by family. She was born on Oct. 8, 1936, in Richland Center, Wis., the daughter of Oscar and Bessie (Lounsbury) Hanson.

Diane graduated from Gays Mills High School. She worked as the office manager at Northeast Family Practice Clinics for many years while raising her three daughters on her own.

Diane was an amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Christened “Big Grandma” by her great-grandchildren, she loved spending time with family, all of whom were her pride and joy. Diane was so very proud of her family, just as they will always be so proud of her.

One of Diane’s best personality traits was her terrific sense of humor. She had the most contagious smile paired with the biggest heart. She radiated compassion, love, and kindness to all living beings, always putting others before herself. Diane was protective of those she loved, which included not only her family and friends, but also animals. Her thirst for knowledge and learning new things never ended throughout her life, and her intelligence and wit never diminished with age.

Diane enjoyed volunteering her time at Messiah Lutheran Church, Alliance for Animals and Madison Cat Project (formerly Dane County Friends of Ferals). Her love and empathy for animals was unparalleled, a passion that will continue to be carried on through her family. Diane’s skills as a bridge, cribbage, and 500 player persisted throughout her life. She belonged to many bowling leagues over the years and made sure everyone knew about her high scores (which happened quite often). Diane was also a deeply faithful and spiritual person, and always managed to see the good in everyone and the positive in everything.

Diane’s warm and inviting personality was felt by anyone who came into contact with her. Always so caring, always so understanding, and always just completely and utterly selfless. As expressed by her grandson, Mason, at a very young age, “Grandma, I don’t know what it is, but every time you’re around, it makes me feel so good!” This was a feeling echoed by all who knew her.

Diane did so much for her family, and they truly appreciate all she sacrificed for them. She will be incredibly and deeply missed by her three daughters, Marsha (Jon) Laundrie, Susan Krebsbach, and Lisa Iverson; grandchildren, Shanley (Jim) Foti, Mason Laundrie (Suzy Wolk), Haley (Danny) Suprenant, and Spencer Krebsbach (Haley Padfield); great-grandchildren, Tessa and James Foti, and Luke and Liam Laundrie; and brother, Garry Hanson. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister, sister-in-law, Nona Hanson, and Roger Iverson.

Visitation will be held at MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service at the church beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2022, with the Rev. Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. Family and friends who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit Diane’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com. Immediately following the service, a meal will be served as Diane would insist on feeding everyone. The celebration of Diane’s life will continue immediately following the luncheon as friends and family are encouraged to gather at the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., located at 876 Jupiter Drive in Madison.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Diane’s name to Lulu’s Locker Rescue, an animal rescue working to bring to light the plight of black cats and dogs, senior/hospice animals in shelters, as well as the misconceptions surrounding FIV cats. The donation link is: www.luluslockerrescue.org/donate. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Diane Iverson

October 08, 1936 - April 21, 2022

Share photos of Diane