Diana M Cofell

Diana May Cofell, Bismarck, passed peacefully surrounded by family on September 20, 2017, at a local hospital following a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, October 7, at First Presbyterian Church, 214 E. Thayer Ave., Bismarck, with Rev. David Reiter officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Diana was born May 12, 1932, to William and Anna (Gackle) Isaak in Kulm, ND. She grew up in Kulm, graduating from high school in 1950; she then worked briefly at the North Dakota State Capitol. Diana married L. Joaquin “Jo” Cofell on February 22, 1953, in Kulm. They lived in Edgeley where they raised their two sons, Neil and Jay. She worked at the family store and was active in the community and in 1965, the family moved to Bismarck. Diana worked in women’s retail, at the First Presbyterian Church office, and Cofell’s Plumbing and Excavating, while continuing to assist Jo in his endeavors. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church. Diana’s many talents included various crafts, home decoration (always finding another home to redecorate), entertaining, shopping for gifts, and sharing with friends old and new. Her energy and dedication was to be found in all she did. She enjoyed the many years spent with her sons, family, and preparing her grandchildren’s favorite meals. For over thirty years, Diana and Jo greatly enjoyed their winters in Arizona, making many new friends. Diana had a cheerful presence and a full life until her end. It could be said, she lived life beyond measure, never slowing or waiting until tomorrow. She is survived by her son, Jay (Sandra); daughter-in-law, Elaine Cofell; her grandsons, Jayson, Ryan, Aaron and Adrian; great-grandson, Ayden Cofell; and brother-in-law, Wayne Lucht. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jo Cofell; her son, Neil Cofell; and her sister, Karen Lucht. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church, 214 E. Thayer Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501.