Diane Sue Pelc, 84, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, at Centrica Rose Arbor Hospice. Born on June 6, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa, she lived a life marked by education, leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to helping others reach their full potential.

Diane was the eldest child of Glen and Jane (Wendt) Baker. Raised in Iowa, she graduated from Mingo Community High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University. Her thirst for knowledge later led her to Western Michigan University, where she received a master’s degree.

Education was not simply a career path for Diane; it was her life’s calling. Her work at Western Michigan University spanned decades and included roles in the Office of the University Ombudsman and the Department of Home Economics. She ultimately served as the Teacher and Administrator Certification Officer. In this role, she worked closely with schools throughout Michigan, helping future educators navigate certification requirements and preparing countless teachers for successful careers in the classroom. Upon her retirement, the State of Michigan recognized her significant contributions with a Special Tribute honoring her years of service to education and WMU.

Beyond the classroom, Diane’s generosity of spirit reached into her family & community. She was an active member of numerous civic, educational, and professional organizations. Friends and colleagues admired her intelligence & dedication. She left a lasting impact on everyone whose life she touched.

Those who knew Diane also understood her vibrant creative side, which she expressed through pottery, jewelry, and fashion. An excellent seamstress, she designed beautiful clothing to coordinate with her eclectic jewelry. She had a keen eye for fashion and textiles, often sharing her expertise with family and the community. After her retirement, she poured this creative energy into crafting detailed scrapbooks and photo albums for her family, leaving behind beautiful, physical reminders of her commitment to preserving memories.

Diane was also a lifelong reader who easily completed several books each week. Long before online databases became trendy, she was a passionate genealogist. She took frequent trips to libraries and traveled back to Iowa for research, eventually tracking her family’s ancestry all the way back to the Mayflower.

Following her retirement, Diane and her husband, Ron, traveled to many amazing destinations and fully embraced the cruising lifestyle. For most of her retired years, Bradenton, Florida, served as her winter home. There, she and Ron loved hosting dinners for friends and family. In her later years, she cherished time spent with her grandchildren at West Lake in Portage, where she resided. She will be remembered always for her compassion, wisdom, and integrity.

Diane was preceded in death by her second husband, Ron Pelc, in 2013, and her son, Brian James Kragt, in 2021.

She is survived by her son, Mark (Polly) Kragt of Kalamazoo; step-sons, Dan (Toni) Pelc and Mike (Kristi) Pelc; seven grandchildren, Mark (Jessica) Kragt, Laura (Dan) Pianki, Sarah (Mark) Ashworth, Caitlin (Stefan) Nash, Sullivan Pelc, Ryan Pelc, and Annabell Pelc; and eight great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brother, Ron (Kathy) Baker, and sister, Mary (Jack) States, both of Bradenton, Florida.

Cremation has taken place. The family is planning a graveside service in Iowa this summer.