Diane Eichelkraut

Diane Vicini Eichelkraut, 78, of Ottawa, Illinois passed away peacefully, at home, on March 29, 2026, with her daughters by her side.

Ottawa Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation rites. A Celebration of Life for Diane will be held at a later date.

Diane was born June 24, 1947 to Walter and Betty (Schwarzbach) Vicini in Ottawa, Illinois. Diane graduated from Marquette High School in 1965 and married her high school sweetheart Tom Eichelkraut in May of 1967. Together they had two daughters, Melissa and Julie.

On December 26, 1977 life in the Eichelkraut family was forever changed when Tom passed away.

Diane worked and raised her daughters with all of her heart and soul. Diane worked several jobs throughout her life and retired from OfficeMax in 2013. Diane loved to cook, watch the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks and especially the Cubs. Diane loved being outside in the beautiful sun and peacefully sitting on the porch for hours. She never met anyone she didn't like and she had the biggest heart. Her laughter was unforgettable and her smile was equally infectious.

Diane was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Dementia in 2022 and she did not let that stop her from continuing to live her life the best way she knew how. She never complained about the disease, she just didn't understand it. Diane was able to stay in her home until the last days of her life with the support and care from her daughters, OSF Hospice Team, a very special nurse Melissa and her very special friend Beth Miller. Her Thursdays with Beth Miller were the highlight of her week, not to mention her ice cream cone from McDonalds every day.

Diane is survived by her daughters, Melissa (Earnest) Merritte and Julie Eichelkraut both of Ottawa; granddaughter, Alysha (Christopher) Frank of Warrenville, Il.; brother, Dave (Betty) Vicini of Shorewood, Il.; sisters, Susan (William) Long of Shorewood, Patsy Bennington of Ottawa; and sister-in law Kathi Vicini of Glen Allen, Virginia. Diane had many nieces, nephews and her special "second family" The Guerrero Family, who will forever hold a special place in her heart.

Diane is proceeded in death by her loving husband, Tom Eichelkraut; parents, Walter and Betty Vicini; brother, Daniel Vicini; sister, MaryBeth O'Brien; and her "son in law", Kenneth who passed away in 2022.

Alzheimer's Poem

Do Not Ask Me to Remember

Do not ask me to remember,

Don't try to make me understand, Let me rest and know you're with me, Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I'm confused beyond your concept,

I am sad and sick and lost.

All I know is that I need you To be with me at all cost.

Do not lose your patience with me,

Do not scold or curse or cry.

I can't help the way I'm acting, Can't be different though I try.

Just remember that I need you, That the best of me is gone, Please don't fail to stand beside me, Love me 'til my life is done.

- Owen Darnell