In Loving Memory of Diana Loraine Kersey Obenauer
18 December 1940 – 7 May 2025
With profound sadness and deep reverence, we bid farewell to our beloved mother, grandmother, and matriarch, Diana Obenauer. She was not only a distinguished Colonel in the Idaho Army National Guard, but also a woman of immense warmth, intellect, and unwavering dedication to her family, her nation, and the greater good.
Born in Jerome, Idaho, Diana grew up the only girl among four older brothers. From an early age, she displayed courage, grit, and resilience that would later define her extraordinary life. Raised by the values of hard work and integrity, she was just as comfortable fixing fences and riding horses as she was in a classroom or command post. Her early years on the farm shaped her into a woman who could lead with both compassion and strength.
A Rodeo Queen during her high school years, she carried herself with grace, determination, and a spark that never faded. Her love for horses stayed with her for life, symbolizing the steadfast loyalty, responsibility, and care she poured into all things – especially her family.
Diana pursued higher education with the same drive she brought to every pursuit. She began her education at Brigham Young University and earned her Bachelor of Nursing from Sacramento State University, followed by a master’s in public administration from Boise State University. She quickly rose to prominence as a respected educator, teaching at Boise State University, Northwest Nazarene (College) University, and College of Southern Idaho. As she challenged her students with her ambitious standards, many spoke often of her as a brilliant mentor who taught not only with expertise, but with empathy and genuine passion for learning.
Her call to service extended beyond the classroom. Diana joined the Idaho Army National Guard, where her academic excellence and leadership earned her a direct commission as a Major. Rising through the ranks to Brigadier General, she broke barriers at a time when few women wore stars on their shoulders. As Idaho’s Occupational Health and Safety Manager, she left a lasting impact on the readiness and well-being of thousands of soldiers.
During the Gulf War, she deployed to Saudi Arabia, where she played a vital role in coordinating medical support for U.S. and coalition troops. Her tireless efforts even secured the backing of King Faisal and the use of his hospital, ensuring care for the wounded in one of the most critical periods of the conflict. She served with honor, dignity, and a mother’s heart – never forgetting the humanity behind the uniform.
To us – her children, spouses, and grandchildren, she was so much more than her titles and accolades. She was our guiding light, our unshakable foundation, and our truest example of what it means to live with purpose, humility, and fierce love. She raised us to value providing service to others, to seek excellence in all things, and to never back down from doing what is right. Through every stage of our lives, she cheered us on, held us accountable, and loved us unconditionally. Her strength taught us to stand tall. Her compassion taught us to serve others. Her humor taught us to not take ourselves too seriously and love others along the way. She was charitable and would provide help for any that asked. Diana’s legacy lives on in every act of kindness we offer, in every standard we uphold, and in every promise we keep.
Diana is buried at the Idaho Veterans’ Cemetery with dignity and gratitude of a nation – and the endless love of her family and friends. Though her earthly journey has concluded, her spirit soars on. She now stands among Angels and Heroes, watching over us, steady as ever.
Thank you, Mom. You have given your all – and so much more. We will carry your spirit with us always.
Diana is survived by her daughter, Sue O’Rourke (Kevin) and her son, Wes Obenauer (Pamela) and her grandchildren, Steve Hess, Jessica Nebeker (Joshua), Taylor Hess (Pulama), Ryan Hansen (Megan), Sara Scotton (Brandon), Tyler Hansen (Kourtney), Kennedy Obenauer Kalinovskiy (Erick), Kassidy Obenauer Reay (Jared), and great-grandchildren, Cove Hess, Cambria Hess, Cruz Hess, Nora Scotton, Clare Scotton, Jane Scotton, Weston Reay, Gwen Hansen, Sofiya Kalinovskiy.
A committal service with military honors will be held at 9:00 am, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd. in Boise.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.