Diane Vigna

Diane Vigna, 76, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, at her home in the Black Hills of South Dakota, with her loving husband of 55 years, Edward Vigna, by her side.

Born on June 18, 1949, in Omaha to Dr. James and Janice Maly, Diane grew up in Fullerton. She attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln where she earned bachelors, master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Textiles, Clothing & Design, becoming an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Textiles & Apparel. In that role and through her work with UNL Extension and 4-H programs, she traveled extensively throughout Nebraska, inspiring countless students, and community members. She had a true passion for teaching and mentoring youth. Upon retirement, Diane was honored as Associate Professor Emeritus.

It was as an undergraduate at UNL that she met her husband, Edward J. Vigna, then a dental student from South Dakota. It wasn’t long before she fell in love with him as well as his beloved Black Hills. At the time of her death, they maintained homes in Black Hills, S.D. and Goodyear, Ariz., but were frequent visitors back to Nebraska.

To most, she was Diane — but to those closest to her she was simply “Dd.” She cherished her children; Andrea (Ted) Butler of Lincoln, Katherine (Lenny) Krol of New Jersey and John Vigna of Lincoln. Nothing brought her greater joy than her grandchildren: Molly, Brady and Henry Butler and Madelyn and Charles Krol. One of her greatest experiences was a recent Italian holiday with the entire family.

Diane was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, PEO, Junior League of Lincoln, Daughters of the American Revolution and Friends of the Robert Hillstead Gallery. Among her many interests was the International Quilt Museum, where she served as an Associate Fellow.

Creative, curious and competitive, Dd found great joy in making quilts, reading, and playing games. She lived life to the fullest with Ed, whether it was enjoying a great American road trip, an international adventure or a simple stroll through her garden.

In addition to her husband, children and grandchildren, Diane is survived by siblings, Dr. James (Jane) Maly, Judy Nesbitt, Dr. Tim (Cathryn) Maly, and Bill (Sallie) Maly; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Dr. James and Janice Maly and sister, Suzie Maly Hergenrader.

Visitation will be from 6:15-6:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with a Vigil to follow at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rite of Committal to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Reception at Snappers Clubhouse, Spearfish City Park following burial.

In Nebraska, a Catholic Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 30 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 9101 S. 78th Street in Lincoln. Reception at The Lodge at Wilderness Ridge following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the University of Nebraska Foundation for the Diane Vigna 4-H fund established in her honor. http://nufoundation.org/memorialgift University of Nebraska Foundation P.O. Box 82555, Lincoln, NE 68501-2555 Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at https://www.fidlerisburgfuneralchapels. com/?fh_id=13327