Obituaries

Dianne Duschl

Photo of Dianne Duschl
Dianne Duschl, 67, of Jonesboro, died Thursday at her home of natural causes. Born on Aug. 1, 1945 in Tiptonville, Tenn., Dianne lived most of her life in Jonesboro. She was a student at Jonesboro High School, serving as captain of the cheerleader squad her senior year and graduating in 1963. During high school Dianne was active in Girl Scouts and other civic organizations, and was invited to participate in Girls State. She was also an exceptionally gifted classical pianist, and upon graduation was offered a 2-year scholarship to The Julliard School in New York. Dianne elected to enroll at Southwestern College (now Rhodes College) in Memphis, Tenn., where she studied music for 2 years and became a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She took a year off to travel Europe, then returned to resume her studies at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. Ultimately, Dianne decided to return to Jonesboro to complete her Bachelor's degree in English at Arkansas State University. In 1969, Dianne married Bob DeClerk of Pocahontas, Ark. She and Bob soon added two children to the mix, and Dianne concentrated all of her energy and enthusiasm on her family. Her artistry and passion that had previously fueled her musical calling were now focused on fun and stimulating activities for her children, and her "larger than life" personality ensured that any get-together at her household was an event to remember. In 1974 Bob and Dianne divorced and she went to work in the marketing department at the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Jonesboro, the company that her father had helped to found. As her children became older and more independent, Dianne went to work volunteering for a number of church and community organizations, and spent a great deal of time lending a hand to those who were in need of help. She set an abiding example for her children, always emphasizing to them how important it was to give back to the communities in which they lived. Dianne touched many souls during her lifetime, and she was loved by all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed. Dianne was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick Louis and Olga Newhouse Duschl and her brother, Frederick Louis "Rick" Duschl, Jr. Her survivors include her son and daughter-in-law: Fredrick Anthony "Rickie" and Rhonda DeClerk of Columbia, Miss., her daughter and son-in-law: Dianna "Schelle" and Steve Varady of Little Rock, her sister and brother-in-law: Elinor and Okla Ben Smith of Fort Smith, three grandchildren: Ross Driver of Osceola, Reagan DeClerk of Columbia, Mo. and Bradley Varady of Little Rock, and one great-grandchild, Kamryn Driver of Osceola. Funeral services will be Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Chris Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held Monday from 12 noon until service time in the parlor at First Presbyterian Church. For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to AAROC—Arkansas Autism Resource and Outreach Center, 2001 Pershing Circle, Suite 300, North Little Rock, Ark., 72114. Online registry at www.emersonfuneralhome.com.

Published August 4, 2013

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