Diane Clasen

Diane Clasen passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2015 in Raleigh, North Carolina, following an illness of several weeks. For nearly 35 years, Diane and her husband Jack were residents of Cincinnati and Mason, Ohio.

Mrs. Clasen was born in Toledo, Ohio, on July 7, 1953, and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Toledo, Majoring in Music (piano). She attended the graduate school in Music at Indiana University. It was there she met her future husband, Jack Clasen, and they were married in 1977.

Versatile and multi-talented, she became a trailblazer in business for women by becoming one of the first female owners of an insurance agency in the State of Ohio. For many years she and her husband operated her agency in Mason, Ohio. Then after a successful 30 year career, Diane and Jack retired to Raleigh, NC. in 2009.

Her love of gardening, travel and meeting new people were perfectly combined when she became a judge for the new "America in Bloom" national awards program in 2002. While judging throughout the U.S., she also accepted an offer to judge for the "Canadians in Bloom" national competition. Diane judged in over 100 communities, and mentored many new judges in the U.S. and Canada.

One highlight was serving as judge in Britain as the U.S. representative for international competition. She loved every community she visited and was well-liked by everyone she met. Diane was an exemplar of an outstanding floral competition judge.

Vivacious and personable, Diane Clasen was also demanding of herself and others, always seeking the best in everything she attempted. She was a loving wife, a talented homemaker and was a fighter to the end. She will be sorely missed.

Diane is survived by her husband of 38 years, Jack Clasen, her sister Linda Osterman of Columbus, Ohio, nieces Jessica and Anna Hudson, niece McLain Osterman, nephews Curtis Hudson, Nathan and Evan Osterman. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Valeria Clasen of Gibsonville, NC and brother-in-law Donald Clasen of Los Angeles, CA.

A private family service will be held. Donations can be made to the "Diane Clasen Memorial Fund". Checks payable to America in Bloom should be sent to 2103 Stella Court, Columbus, Ohio 43215