Diane Lou Kasdorf

Diane was born on December 14, 1928, to Helen and Guy Griffith in Des Moines, Iowa. After graduating from North High School in 1944 at age 16, she went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Drake University and then a Master’s Degree in Music from Indiana University.

After graduation, she moved to New York City, where she was a professional singer in operas and musicals, as well as a paid soloist in several large NYC churches and temples.

While in New York, she married Kenneth Kasdorf in 1954. In the late 1950s, Ken and Diane moved back to Des Moines to join Diane’s parents in running their family-owned business, Mat-A-Dor Corporation. Diane served as the company’s financial manager until its sale in 1982.

Ken and Diane were blessed with two daughters, Kristin and Karin. Diane was a wonderful and loving mother who gave her all to her family.

Diane was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Des Moines, where she was an active participant in their choirs as a singer, soloist, and director.

Additionally, Diane was a competent golfer, who played in many leagues and tournaments throughout the years. She served as the President of the Iowa Women’s Golf Association (IWGA) and handicapped golf courses throughout the state of Iowa.

Diane also enjoyed playing tennis and swimming. In addition, she was a skilled bridge player, who earned a ‘Life Master’ designation. As an avid reader and crossword puzzle solver, she could literally answer every Jeopardy Show question at age 94.

Diane was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth Kasdorf; mother and father, Helen & Guy Griffith; and sister, Gloria McConnell. She is survived by her daughter, Kristin Niklawski; daughter, Karin Kasdorf (Mark Atkinson); and grandson, Andrew Niklawski.

Services will be held on July 11th at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Des Moines with a visitation at 10 am followed by a memorial service at 11 am. The interment will take place at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or The American Heart Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com for the Kasdorf family.