Dianne M. Ocheskey

Dianne Marie (Ortmeyer) Ocheskey of Crystal Lake passed away on January 4, 2025, just days shy of her 70th birthday. She was born on January 13, 1955, in Jefferson City, Missouri, to Hermana (Taube) Ortmeyer and Elmer Ortmeyer.

“Fate whispers to the warrior, ‘You cannot withstand the storm.’ And the warrior whispers back, ‘I am the storm.’”

Dianne lived this mantra as she bravely fought pancreatic and liver cancer with courage and grace. Despite the tough battles, she found joy in the company of her family, friends, and the beauty of life.

At the age of 4, Dianne lost her father, Elmer, to cancer. A couple years later, Bernie Grefrath became her dad, raising her with love and devotion.

On May 17, 1980, Dianne married the love of her life, Karl Ocheskey. Together, they explored life as best friends and partners, welcoming their daughter Jessica five years later.

Dianne had a dynamic and fulfilling career. She worked for the Missouri State Tax Commission Chairman and the governor's office in Colorado before transitioning to positions with Wardell & Johnson Law Firm and Oak Industries. After starting a family, she embraced her role as a stay-at-home mom, volunteering extensively at Jessica's school. Later, she worked in various roles at District 47, including secretary, health office assistant, and special education support.

Dianne eventually found her passion in real estate, joining BHHS Starck Real Estate, where her coworkers became her second family. She loved her clients and found great fulfillment in mentoring new agents.

Above all, family was Dianne’s greatest treasure. She adored being “Grandma” to Natalie and Owen. Natalie was her angel on tough days, offering love and joy, while Owen became her “little buddy,” introducing her to the fun of monster trucks.

Dianne is survived by her husband, Karl; daughter, Jessica Anne (Dean) Battaglia; grandchildren, Natalie Anne and Owen Reed Battaglia; brother, Robert (Meg) Ortmeyer; nieces and nephews Tim (Kim) Ortmeyer, Mike (Kim) Ortmeyer, Vance Ortmeyer, Christina Medina, and Jennifer (Ron) Hentges; step-nephew Randy (Paula) Duncan; as well as many cousins, her Starck Real Estate family, and countless friends across the country and in Spain.

She was preceded in death by her father, Elmer; brother, James (Adeline) Ortmeyer; and grandparents Ben and Sophie Taube, Ferdinand and Anne Ortmeyer, and Teresa and Joseph Grefrath.

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, January 12, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, with a eulogy service at 6:30 PM. A Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 13, at 10:00 AM at Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 Bull Valley Road, McHenry. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Project Purple, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer.