Diane Kay Lukavsky's Obituary
Diane Kay Lukavsky, age 69, of Seymour, Iowa, passed away on May 27, 2026 peacefully at home.
Diane was born on May 30, 1956, to Curt and Dorothy (Enfield) Bergan. Embracing childhood on a dairy farm, she worked and played alongside her parents and older brothers. Diane was baptized and later confirmed at the LeRoy Lutheran Church. She graduated from Leroy-Ostrander High School in Minnesota with the Class of 1974 before attending Waldorf College, where she majored in music. In 1977, Diane was married to Denny Lukavsky and blessed with children, Chad, Mandy, and Betsy. They started out their married lives in Austin, MN but later moved to Iowa for Denny's work opportunities. Later divorced, Diane was a fiercely devoted single mom, purchasing a modest acreage. She worked tirelessly to make sure her kids were able to be in 4-H, show animals, and the girls could dance. From there she moved to the Millerton area.
To know Diane was to know kindness, generosity, and a work ethic that never quit. She was always working to provide for her family. Over the years she worked many jobs including waitressing, a veterinarian's office, farmer's co-op, a bank, and then her life's dream became a reality. She owned the Millerton Café, where she welcomed customers like family, and never let anyone leave hungry. Her goal was good friends, food and coffee for the perfect blend, and that is what she did. Whether you stopped in for coffee, pie, or simply a conversation, she had a way of making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved. In her lifetime Diane truly never knew a stranger. This outgoing personality led her to the love of her life Jess, at the Casey's in Seymour. In their unity a house became a home together in Seymour.
Many knew Diane as "the cookie lady", but her baking was only one small part of the love she shared so freely. She made countless cookies, cakes, and pies for birthdays, graduations, holidays, benefits, and neighbors in need. Her kitchen was often full, not just with food, but with people. Diane could cook a meal for two just as easily as she could feed a crowd, and no one ever left her table hungry. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and welcome. Her love of music and creativity showed, she was also talented in embroidery, sewing, and hemming.
Her greatest joy in life was her family. Diane was a devoted woman and the best mother, Nana, and daughter. The last few years she was dedicated to the care of her mom until her passing, and was able to keep her close by with the loving support of Jess, lovingly known as Step & Fetch. She was the first to call, check in, ask questions, and make sure her grandchildren knew she was thinking about them. She loved going to livestock shows, archery shoots, school activities, sending Nana packages, volunteering at the shelter, and being a part of their everyday lives. She showed up for her family in countless quiet and meaningful ways, more than most ever knew.
Diane also had a deep love for plants and being outdoors. She spent countless hours gardening, working with her flowers and canning. Jess and faithful dog Alli, were always right there. She shared jars of homemade goods with family, friends, and neighbors. Giving to others came naturally to her, whether through a warm meal, a fresh pie, or freshly canned food. She loved watching birds and squirrels, decorating with gnomes, and especially enjoyed putting out her treasured nativity and outdoor Christmas display. Her heart was truly made of gold, and the care she gave to others will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.
Diane is survived by her significant other, Jess Hoover; her children, Chad (Stephanie) Lukavsky, Mandy Neer, and Betsy (Mike) Cemensky; grandchildren, Danni, Brad (Sara), Dalton, Marin, Nora, Cooper, Mason, and Aggie; sister-in-law Sharon Hodgdon and other extended family nieces, nephews and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Curt and Dorothy Bergan; and her brothers, Doug Bergan and Stan Bergan.
Diane's legacy will not be measured by titles or accomplishments, but by the countless people she fed, encouraged, supported, welcomed, and loved. Her family and friends will forever remember her warm heart, tireless spirit, homemade meals, canned goods, beautiful flowers, and the way she made everyone feel at home.
Funeral services for Diane will take place on Thursday June 4, 2026 at 10:00AM at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 with family present from 5:00PM-7:00PM at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon. Per Diane's wishes cremation will take place after the funeral and a private family burial will take place at New York Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be written to Chad Lukavsky, to be determined at a later date, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home ATTN: Lukavsky Family, 303 E. Jefferson Street Corydon, Iowa 50060. Condolences may be shared online at or
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