Diane Cheryl Malkovich

Diane Cheryl Malkovich (nee: Danielson, Edevold)

September 27, 1947 – October 12, 2025

On October 12th, 2025, Diane’s angels came to take her home. She was born on September 27^th, 1947 to the late Charlie Danielson and Betty Birkeland and was the beloved stepdaughter of Arlen Birkeland. Diane was the second of eleven children: a strong and gentle heart in a large and loving family.

Diane married her high-school sweetheart Donald Edevold in 1963 together they shared two beautiful children Danny and Dana. Donald was tragically lost in a car accident.

She was blessed to again find love with her soulmate and lifelong partner, Craig Malkovich, they united in marriage in September of 1977 blending their families, she became a loving stepmom to Mike and Deanna; a year later they welcomed their daughter Donna.  Craig and Diane shared a deep and enduring love for each other and for dancing; They would take over the dance floor; “Craig and Diane” dancing a little ditty.

From an early age, Diane had a gift for turning the ordinary into something beautiful. She saw treasure and beauty in everything, creating displays of photos and keepsakes that told stories of love and connection— She had a special touch with flowers, nurturing her plants for decades, each one carrying a meaning and memory that she tended to with devotion.

She was a gifted storyteller who could make you laugh, cry, or stay on the phone for hours. Her joy was in her family, children, grandchildren, and making memories.

She worked tirelessly to make every visit and gathering special. Diane brought warmth and laughter wherever she went, giving 150% to everything she did—from her years in the food service industry to her time as a caregiver. She was the first to offer a helping hand and the last to give up.

Diane was sharp, opinionated, and proud of it.  She loved good conversation, good coffee, and her beloved Green Bay Packers (whether she had a choice or not). For forty years, she never missed her daily phone call with her sister Donna, whose name she passed on to her daughter. Diane could fill in family stories when memories faded, and she kept the magic of childhood alive for her grandchildren with creativity and heart.

She believed in equality, kindness, and perseverance—values she lived and passed on. Her legacy will live on in all who loved her.

Diane is survived by her husband Craig Malkovich; son Danny Edevold; daughter Donna (Martinus) Malkovich; and grandchildren Christine Mundt, Alexya Kirby-Morgan (Darrell), and Danyae Morgan. She is also survived by stepchildren Michael Malkovich and Deanna Malkovich.

Her loving siblings include Donna Ballard, Barbara Halverson, Carla Tice, Ruth Ann (Craig) Haugen, Dean (Teri) Birkeland, and Richard (Julie) Birkeland. Diane’s stories and laughter will be cherished by countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and aunts.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charlie Danielson and Betty Birkeland, daughter Dana Rae Edevold, grandson Brandon Edevold, sisters Peggy Brovold and Sandra Danielson, brothers John and Neal Birkeland, brothers-in-law Jerry Brovold, Ronnie Ballard, and Dean Halverson, and nephew Benjamin Brovold.

Diane’s heart was a home filled with laughter, memories, and love that never fades. Her family finds peace knowing that her garden now blooms in Heaven with those she missed dearly.

Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 25th at 2pm at Emery Town Hall, W2901 Martins Dr. Phillips, WI 54555.

HEINDL-NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.