Dian Prasko

On Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, Dian Prasko made her triumphant entrance into heaven following a tenacious battle with lymphoma. Dian was born on Feb. 12, 1943, in Pasadena, Calif., to Betty and Al Richardson. The oldest of three children, Dian was raised in southern California and graduated from Monrovia-Duarte High School in 1960. Following graduation, she attended Pacific Bible Seminary, currently known as Pacific Christian College.

In 1963 Dian married Robert Prasko; they would later divorce in 1983. She spent the early years of their marriage doing what she felt most important: raising her children. When the time was right, she went to work as an administrative assistant for Arcadia Christian Counseling Services for three years. She then worked her way up to a managerial role for Tupperware.

In 1978 the family moved to Kansas. Dian left her parents and friends in order to provide a better environment for her children, a true testimony to her character. Once established in Kansas, she continued her career with Tupperware as a Senior Executive Manager for a total of 25 years. Changes in the company led her to pursue a different career path. She began working as an Education Literary Resource Specialist in 2000 and continued until last spring when she decided to retire due to the recurrence of lymphoma.

Dian loved the Lord and had a true servant’s heart. She demonstrated this in many ways but one of the most profound was the yearlong mission trip she took with Harvest International Ministries in 1990-1991. Being away from her children was a sacrifice for her but she considered this year working in orphanages and various villages throughout Romania and Denmark a blessing. She was a member of Northcott Church, Colony, and attended The Barn, a church in Blue Mound. She worshipped with and served both these congregations with her generous and compassionate heart.

There was nothing Dian loved more than spending time with her family. Her grandchildren were a special joy to her. Her home was always filled with whatever form of entertainment was of interest to them and age appropriate for them. She loved to play board games and cards with anyone willing to play. She also loved to read, especially her Bible. Her creative interests provided many family heirlooms in the form of original scrapbooks. She also enjoyed making her own greeting cards. She learned to knit from her mother and produced sweaters, stocking hats and scarves for her family and to donate.

Dian is survived by her daughter Shelly Strickler and husband Garret of Colony; son Steve Prasko and wife Lynette, Colony; son Doug Prasko, Quartzsite, Ariz.; a brother Daniel Richardson, Henderson, Nev., sister Debra Bryner, Washington; and Joyce Richardson, Claremont, Calif. She is also survived by nine grandchildren; Amanda Strickler, Colony; Benjamin, Ethan and Levi Prasko, Colony; Renesha Prasko, Osawatomie; Victoria Prasko, Paola; Nicole Ewing, Drammen, Norway; Landon Ewing, Owasso, Okla.; Devon Perry, Anaheim, Calif., and five great-grandchildren; two nieces, Christine Hartz and husband Mark, Costa Mesa, Calif.; and Katie Richardson, Irvine, Calif. Dian was preceded in death by her parents Al Richardson and Betty Richardson; and daughter Lisa Ewing.

The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at The Venue at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Iola.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel. Burial will follow at the Colony Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society-Hope Lodge, Omaha, or to Colony First Responders. Condolences to the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.