Diann Kay Zeil

Diann Kay Zeil of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away on October 13, 2024, at the age of 85. Diann was born in Dimondale, Michigan, on September 6, 1939, to the late Joseph Sykora and Jean (Mahoney) Hoskins. In 1959, Diann married Helmut “Karl” Zeil. The two were married for nearly 49 years before Karl’s death in 2008.

Diann graduated from Dimondale High School in 1954. Shortly after high school, she began working as a candy striper in the TB ward. It was there, in the summer of 1957, where she met her future husband, Karl. Years later, in 1964, Diann took a job as a bookkeeper for Gordon W. Hueschen to earn enough money to purchase new curtains for the living room. Fifty-two years later, in 2016, she retired from Hueschen and Sage.

In her free time, Diann enjoyed reading, watching movies, and traveling with family and friends. For special occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, holidays – she loved to send out cards. If you got a card from Diann, you knew you were loved. 

Diann is survived by her children, Anna (Don) Hamming and Linda (Skip) Wooden; grandchildren, Donnie Hamming, Brandi (Eric) Smith, and Nicholas Wooden. 

Diann was preceded in death by her beloved husband; her parents; son, Alan Zeil; and brother, Larry Sykora.

Memorial contributions may be made in Diann’s honor to Parkinson’s Foundation. To leave an online condolence, visit https://www.langelands.com.