Date of death: 10/14/2025
Saint Meinrad Class: GTP 2001
Diana Peffers, age 81, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and formerly of Gaylord, Michigan, died Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. Diana was born February 25, 1944, in Alma, Michigan, the only daughter of Henry and Donna (Langin) Washburn.
Originally from Gaylord, Michigan, Diana relocated to Oskaloosa, IA, in 2020 to be closer to her family in Iowa. She graduated from Gaylord High School in 1962. On June 10, 1967, she was united in marriage to Robert Peffers at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gaylord, Michigan. Following their marriage, Diana stayed home to care for her family and home.
Diana was a very active member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, leading RCIA groups and helping the priests anyway she could. She was devoted to her Catholic faith and devoted her life to giving to the church. After being widowed at the age of 50, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor University (Michigan) and a master’s degree from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology (Indiana). Upon graduation, Diana worked in church administration in West Virginia and Ypsilanti, Michigan. Some of her favorite activities were crocheting and reading.
Diana’s family includes her two sons and their wives, Tim (Stephany) Peffers of Gaylord, Michigan, and David (Wendy) Peffers of Pella, Iowa; four grandchildren; a brother, William (Mary Catherine) Washburn of Gaylord, Michigan; a sister-in-law, Nancy Washburn of Traverse City, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.
Diana was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, on October 21, 1993; her parents; and two brothers, Henry Washburn and David Washburn.