Diana Kobold

On Friday Evening, we lost our beautiful mom, wife, and friend Diana. She died at peace after doing one of her favorite things, spending time with family. Our hearts are broken, but we know she is in a better place.

She was born on February 7, 1941 in Charles City, Iowa. Her proud parents were Edward and Iverene Dugan. She graduated from high school at Charles City High and attended college at University of Nebraska, Omaha. It was in Omaha were she met the man of her dreams, Elmer Kobold, whom she married in October of 1960. They made their home in Billings where they raised their 6 children. After Elmer retired, they moved to Las Vegas for the winters where they met wonderful friends and had nine years of just being together.

Mom was not only a beautiful person; she was a very strong lady. She faced her health challenges with dignity and grace. She was a devoted wife and mother and nothing was more important to her than her family. She never missed one of her children’s events, be it wrestling, football, basketball, softball or a piano recital. She spent many years as a chauffeur, nurse and cook; but always a friend. Diana volunteered with Mayfair for many years. She wanted to leave each loved one a legacy of crocheted afghans and special scrapbooks.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Elmer, oldest son Danny (Charlotte) Kobold, oldest daughter, Debbie Kobold, her middle child Teresa (Greg) Brown and their children Zach, Samantha, Caitlin and Jake, middle son, David (Jodi) Kobold and their children, Nathan, Taylor, Maia and Raelee, youngest daughter, Tammy (Jason) Madill of Great Falls, and their children Faith, Grace, Isaac and Hope, youngest son Luke (Sarah) Kobold and their two daughters, Morgan and Olivia. She was so proud of all of her grandchildren and especially thrilled with the birth of her twin granddaughters born on her birthday. She is also survived by her brother Bruce (Melinda) Dugan of Omaha, Neb, her sister, Andi (Bob) Borgeson of Murietta, CA and brother Phil (Connie) Dugan of Chicago, Ill. She was preceded in death by her two parents, Ed and Iverene.

Mom opened her heart and truly touched so many that the example she set in life is unparalleled. Her home was full of love and caring, and her door was always open to anyone in need.

Mom, God Bless and we love you back.

Visitation will be 3-8pm Tuesday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Vigil service will be 5pm Wednesday at St. Pius X Church. The Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Thursday at the church with interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials may be made to BACET or Billings Central High School.

You’re a wonderful cousin ~ ‘paving the way’ for the rest of us when we were kids… Diana, DeeDee, Deets, our matriarch thru life. Thanks for filling in the blanks for me for voids before my time, and encircling your arms around me when my tiny family was gone. Our lives are richer from your presence in it – Oh, the memories… Thanks for all you gave to all of us that love you. You are truly loved back!! Your cousin, Lana Mobley

ELMER AND FAMLY, WE EXPRESS OUR SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ON YOUR GREAT LOSS. DIANA WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON. ALL OF YOU WILL BE IN OUR PRAYERS. RALPH AND CEMIE STUDER

Elmer and Family, We are so sorry about Diana’s passing. What fond memories I have of visiting with Diana at our children’s sports events, wrestling being one. Know we are thinking of you all at this very sad time. Best regards, Jim and Tempe Lemon

I remember going to the Kobold house when we were little and we loved going there. We are sorry for your loss and know that you have each others love and support to get you through this rough time. “When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ” ~Kahlil Gibran

Thinking of you guys, The Snider Family =)

Dear Doc and family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Diana. We had so many wonderful times together in the “old” wrestling days. Just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Patty Lacy

Dear Elmer and Family, I just found out this morning that Diana passed away a couple of days ago. I am in Hawaii on a two-month vascular surgery fellowship and accordingly was not aware of it until this morning. Elmer, I am very, very sorry for you and your family. Her passing will be a great loss for all of you, and I know she will be terribly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these next difficult days. If there is anything at all that we can do for you, please let me know. Sincerely, Tim Dernbach

Dear Debbie, and the rest of the Kobold family…..We were so sorry to hear about Diane’s death at such a young age. Though we didn’t know your mother well, I remember going over to her house for cosmetic and jewlelry and Tastefully Simple parties that were always fun! She and Elmer should have had so many more years together. Our thoughts are with you all. Kathy and Al Wise

Dearest Kobold Family, I am sadden at the death of your wife, mother and grandmother. Our memories are long ago, but they were all so fun as we traveled together with our kids sports. I was just telling Mike the other day about one time after wrestling in Butte, on our way back to Fairmont you all had me laughing so hard I had to pull the van off the road and just laugh. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you, Judi Slater

Danny and Charlotte: You and your family are in my prayers. Trudy Carey

DEAR ELMER AND FAMILIES, WHAT A SHOCK TO LEARN OF DIANA’S DEATH. WE ARE SO VERY SORRY, AND PRAY THAT YOUR STRONG FAITH WILL CARRY YOU ALL THROUGH THESE DIFFICULT DAYS. MAY GOD COVER YOU ALL WITH HIS PEACE, STRENGTH, COURAGE, ASSURANCE, AND LOVE. WE ARE IN COLORADO VISITING WITH OUR DAUGHTER, MICHELLE, JEFF AND 2 BOYS, AND REGRET NOT BEING ABLE TO CELEBRATE DIANA’S LIFE WITH YOU TOMORROW. WE LOOK FORWARD TO VISITING WITH YOU ELMER AND SHARING MEMORIES. SHALOM-JERRY AND JAN WOLF

Dearest Dr. Kobold and family I a so sorry to hear of you losing such a dear lady. My love and prayers to you all Pamela Bilyeu

Elmer, Luke, and family, We are sorry to hear about your loss. Our sympathy goes out to the entire family. Chas, Sue and the rest of the crew from Montana State Parks

Elmer and family We are so sorry about your loss from the Chapman family.(Cindy, Connie, Michelle, Tommy) Wow!! She was an amazing person and i feel honored to have called her my friend. I spent 13 amazing years with her thru all the sports and school years when my children were in sports events and school with hers. She was my Mentor and Friend, she always made me Laugh,and always so much fun. I don’t know if I could have made it thur those trying years without her help. She always treated my 3 Children like they were her own.I will always remember her help and kindness. Love to the Kobold Family Dr. Cynthia Chapman Valenca