- Born on: October 21, 1933
- Departed on: November 30, 2025
- Resided in: Cedar Rapids, IA
Diane Louise Melsha
Diane Louise Melsha, née Hauskins, passed away peacefully in hospice care on November 30, 2025, surrounded by caregivers and family. She was born on October 21, 1933, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Arthur and Grace Hauskins.
Diane grew up in Cedar Rapids, graduated from Roosevelt High School, and later attended the University of Colorado. After college, she worked for her father at Sanitary Farm Dairies before joining the Melsha family business, Banjo Equipment Company, where she worked while also running her own business, Little Bohemia.
A woman of many talents, Diane shared her love of music in her younger years by playing accordion across Iowa, on the radio, at events, and even recording her own music. She also enjoyed ice skating, tennis, and golf. Her sense of style and eye for beauty were unmatched. She had an incredible collection of antiques and took pride in her home, which she designed from the ground up. That home was later featured in several newspapers and magazines, a testament to her elegance and vision. She was lovingly referred to as the Martha Stewart of the family, always decorating with class and grace.
On July 19, 1958, Diane married the love of her life, Leon “Tunnie” Melsha. Together they raised three sons: Jeffrey, David, and Ronald “Pub.” Diane and Tunnie cherished their time at their cottage in Bellevue, Iowa. There, she could often be found sitting on the porch with a glass of Chardonnay and her beloved golden retriever, Macey. She was adored everywhere she went, remembered for her kindness, beauty, and warmth. Many remarked that she carried herself like Princess Diana, earning her the nickname “Diana.”
Above all, Diane cherished her role as a mother and grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured her love, class, and warmth into every gathering and every moment together.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Grace Hauskins; her husband, Tunnie; her son, David; and her faithful companion, Macey. She is survived by her sons Jeffrey D. Melsha of Cedar Rapids and Ronald “Pub” Melsha of Bellevue; two grandchildren, Joe Melsha of Dallas and Sarah Melsha of Cedar Rapids; as well as extended family and countless friends whose lives she touched with her generosity and grace.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Terrace Glen Village for their kindness and compassion, and to Zachary Gray for his unwavering care, support, and love for Diane.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Diane’s honor. In keeping with Diane’s wishes, a private inurnment and family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Diane was truly one of a kind, the epitome of class, love, and beauty. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered with joy by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Diane grew up in Cedar Rapids, graduated from Roosevelt High School, and later attended the University of Colorado. After college, she worked for her father at Sanitary Farm Dairies before joining the Melsha family business, Banjo Equipment Company, where she worked while also running her own business, Little Bohemia.
A woman of many talents, Diane shared her love of music in her younger years by playing accordion across Iowa, on the radio, at events, and even recording her own music. She also enjoyed ice skating, tennis, and golf. Her sense of style and eye for beauty were unmatched. She had an incredible collection of antiques and took pride in her home, which she designed from the ground up. That home was later featured in several newspapers and magazines, a testament to her elegance and vision. She was lovingly referred to as the Martha Stewart of the family, always decorating with class and grace.
On July 19, 1958, Diane married the love of her life, Leon “Tunnie” Melsha. Together they raised three sons: Jeffrey, David, and Ronald “Pub.” Diane and Tunnie cherished their time at their cottage in Bellevue, Iowa. There, she could often be found sitting on the porch with a glass of Chardonnay and her beloved golden retriever, Macey. She was adored everywhere she went, remembered for her kindness, beauty, and warmth. Many remarked that she carried herself like Princess Diana, earning her the nickname “Diana.”
Above all, Diane cherished her role as a mother and grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured her love, class, and warmth into every gathering and every moment together.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Grace Hauskins; her husband, Tunnie; her son, David; and her faithful companion, Macey. She is survived by her sons Jeffrey D. Melsha of Cedar Rapids and Ronald “Pub” Melsha of Bellevue; two grandchildren, Joe Melsha of Dallas and Sarah Melsha of Cedar Rapids; as well as extended family and countless friends whose lives she touched with her generosity and grace.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Terrace Glen Village for their kindness and compassion, and to Zachary Gray for his unwavering care, support, and love for Diane.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Diane’s honor. In keeping with Diane’s wishes, a private inurnment and family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Diane was truly one of a kind, the epitome of class, love, and beauty. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered with joy by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
