Diones D. “Di” Desideri, 90, of Oak Brook, passed away April 6, 2024, after a long illness, surrounded by her family and her loyal grand dog, Rudy.
Diones was born in Chicago in 1933 to George and Carrie (Roberts) Kral. She grew up in Berwyn, where she had a very happy childhood. Her fondest memories from her youth were the summers she spent at her family’s cottage on Lake Superior in Herbster, Wis., which she would eventually share with her own family. Diones graduated from Morton East High School. She then worked for Illinois Bell and as a physician’s secretary.
On Nov. 6, 1954, Diones married her soulmate, Ronald Desideri, while he was serving in the U.S. States Marine Corps. Shortly thereafter, Ron and Diones started their family in Berwyn, later moving to Forest View then settling the family in Oak Brook in the early 1970s. After raising their children, Diones returned to school and began working for McDonald’s Corp. in Oak Brook.
The greatest joy of Diones’ life was undoubtedly her children. They were the focus of her life, instilling such a loving bond in them that they never veered far from home. She treasured any time her family was gathered along with the many family canine companions.
Though physically diminutive (earning her the nickname, “Elfie”), she had an immense strength which emanated from her deep-rooted faith. It guided her in all she did.
Diones was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Desideri, in 2017; and her brother, Daniel Kral.
She is survived by her children, Denise (the late Paul) Schluckebier, Lawrence (Deidre) Desideri, Lisa (Joe Wargin) Desideri and Tom (Janice) Desideri; her grandchildren, Melissa (Adam) Hasten, Nicholas Desideri, Sarah Schluckebier and Anna Schluckebier; and her great-grandchildren, Dean Hasten and Frank Hasten.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. today, April 11, at Visitation Church, 779 S. York St., Elmhurst.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://www.alz.org
Sullivan Family Funeral Home in Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
