Diane Kufeke

Diane Kufeke was born to Clarence and Florence Starn on February 17, 1946, in Minneapolis, MN and passed away on May 23, 2026 in Parker, CO. Shortly after Diane was born, the Starn family moved to Walnut Creek, CA where Diane and her older sister Janet grew up and graduated High School. Diane started college at UCLA where she joined the Chi Omega sorority. While in college, her parents moved to Oklahoma and she followed them, completing her undergraduate degree in Social Work at The University of Oklahoma. It was in Oklahoma that she met Pete whom she would go on to marry in January of 1969.

Stephanie and Laura were born in the years following, and after jobs in PA and NY, Pete accepted a relocation opportunity with Kodak that took the family to Colorado. Amy and David were born in Fort Collins, and Diane and Pete managed the loud party of six in the family home on Tanglewood for the next twenty years. Diane was the heart of the family. A stay-at-home mom until David was in early elementary school, she worked only part-time until the kids were older so she was readily available should they need anything. She went to great lengths to ensure that not only was everyone well taken care of, but also that their childhood was full of love and wonderful memories. She continued to support the Chi Omega Sorority by serving on the board at Colorado State University chapter for a number of years. Diane was also a lifelong learner. While her youngest kids were finishing High School, Diane decided to go back to school for her Masters in Gerontology which she earned in 1997.

Diane was an avid reader with a creative spirit. She enjoyed painting, knitting, crocheting and quilting, which she did up until a few years ago. She loved to travel and she and Pete were fortunate to visit many places around the world – China, Germany, Russia and many other locations, as well as regular trips to California to visit her beloved sister Janet and her family, and to Florida to visit Amy and her family.

Diane was brilliant and kind and loved by all, especially her grandchildren. She did her best to make everyone who entered their home feel special and welcome. Diane served the church and community in many roles, often alongside her husband. She had extraordinary empathy and spent her time learning and loving those she served.

Diane is predeceased by her parents, her sister Janet Belli, and her husband Peter Kufeke.

Diane is survived in love by her children Stephanie (Terry), Laura, Amy, David and twelve grandchildren: Ryan, Kylie, Alex, Jordan, Ben (Victoria), Brendan, Chris, Will, Connor, Noah, Faith, and Selah.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s research.

Services will be held Friday, June 26, 10:00 am at Smoky Hill United Methodist Church in Centennial, CO. Light refreshments to follow.