Diana (Knoespel) Elder ’62

Diana (Knoespel) Elder ’62 died Jan. 4, 2022, in Urbana, Illinois. She was 81. Diana earned a bachelor’s degree at Illinois Wesleyan, a certification in Christian education in the United Methodist Church, and a Master of Divinity at Garrett Theological Seminary. Diana was a lifelong learner and spent much of her adult life as a teacher in Central Illinois. She later served as director of education and programs at First United Methodist Church in Urbana. She was a Sunday school teacher and Bible study leader at many of the parishes where she and her late husband served. Diana became a licensed pastor in 1990 and was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church in 1996. She served as pastor at United Methodist Church in Cullom, Illinois, and Lovington, Illinois, before retiring in 2002. Diana enjoyed singing, swimming, golf, travel, continuing her education, and spending time with friends and family. She is survived by three sons, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one brother. 

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