Dianne L. Heeter

Dianne L. Heeter, 86, of Mishawaka, IN, passed away peacefully at 7:45am on Friday, June 12, 2026, surrounded by the love and presence of her family.

Born on August 12, 1939, in South Bend, Dianne was the daughter of Ernest H. and Lucile E. (Krumanaker) Smith. She graduated from Adams High School with the Class of 1957. She married James Heeter on October 8, 1960.  They divorced in 2002.  

More than anything else, Dianne cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a wonderful mom who devoted herself wholeheartedly to her children, always offering unconditional love, encouragement, and support. Her family was her greatest pride and joy, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she created countless memories through her kindness, laughter, and unwavering love. Her children, granddaughters, and great-grandsons were the light of her life, and she never missed an opportunity to let them know how much they meant to her.

Dianne is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Wisolek of Elkhart, IN; her son, Jeffrey Heeter of Mishawaka, IN; four granddaughters, Emily Hines (Jacob), Alyssa Heeter, Dora Wisolek-Montano and Lucile Wisolek; and four great-grandsons, Leo Montano, Henry, George and Wesley Hines. She leaves behind many extended family members including Nancy Smith-Holland and Linda Smith, her sisters-in-law.

Dianne was preceded in death by her parents and her twin brothers, Donald Smith and Ronald Smith.

Though small in stature, Dianne possessed a mighty personality and a warm spirit. She loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed many activities throughout her life, including bowling, golfing, needlepointing and traveling. One of her greatest joys was taking family vacations and creating lasting memories with those she loved most. Dianne spent most of her life in homes along the St. Joseph River and developed many treasured friendships over the years. She especially valued her eighty-two-year friendship with Shirley “Toots” (Norton) Bolinger. Dianne shared a lifetime of wonderful memories with Toots and countless other friends throughout the years.

Those who knew Dianne will remember her loving heart, caring nature, and deep devotion to her family. She was a wonderful mother, a proud grandmother, and an adoring great-grandmother whose love knew no bounds. Her greatest accomplishment was the family she nurtured and the lives she touched through her kindness and generosity. Her legacy of love, strength, and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Dianne will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services at this time. Palmer Funeral Home—River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.