MASON CITY — Diane Mae Bartusek, a lifelong Mason City woman whose life was marked by a long career in the local automotive industry, a deep love for her family and animals, and remarkable strength during a years-long battle with cancer, died Monday, July 20, 2026. She was 54.
Bartusek died peacefully at her Mason City home while receiving hospice care, surrounded by her family.
Born Diane Mae Berding on Dec. 11, 1971, in Mason City, she was the daughter of LeRoy and Carolyn McManus Berding. She grew up in Mason City, graduated from Mason City High School and later attended North Iowa Area Community College.
A major part of Bartusek’s life was spent in the automotive business.
According to her obituary, she worked for Community Motors Auto Group for more than 30 years, building a reputation as a dependable and dedicated employee who remained with the business through decades of growth and change. She took great pride in her career before retiring several years ago.
Her work in the automotive world also helped lead her to the man who would become her husband.
Diane met Ron Bartusek, owner of Star Auto Body, through their shared connection to the industry. Their friendship developed into a lasting relationship, and the couple married March 23, 2014, at St. James Lutheran Church in Mason City.
The date carried an additional family significance: Diane and Ron shared their wedding day with the celebration of her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary.
Cars were only one of Diane’s passions.
She and Ron shared a love of motorcycles, while animals — particularly cats and dogs — occupied a special place in their home and lives. Her obituary describes a woman who seemingly always had room in her heart for another animal needing care, with her cat Kiki holding an especially close place in her life.
Music was another source of joy. Diane was a devoted fan of the Eagles, and attending the legendary band’s final tour became a treasured memory.
Her obituary sums up the things closest to her heart in four simple words: “Love, Ron, cats and cars.”
Bartusek’s final years also revealed the strength for which family and friends would come to admire her.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2020, she endured a lengthy fight against the disease and repeatedly exceeded expectations along the way. Her obituary describes her as gentle but strong, honest and straightforward, deeply spiritual and frequently more concerned about others than about herself.
Her husband recalled one small but memorable mannerism that captured her personality: When Diane had a point to make, she would click her rings against the table.
It was a signal that those who knew her understood — Diane had something to say.
She was remembered as someone who spoke directly but with love, cared genuinely about others and had a way of making people feel noticed and valued.
Bartusek is survived by her husband, Ron Bartusek of Mason City; her parents, LeRoy and Carolyn Berding of Mason City; brothers LeRoy Berding Jr. and his wife, Dory Jo, of Hampton, and Stevie Shipman and his wife, Sue, of Mason City; niece Andrea Rickel and her husband, Seth; nephews Jared Berding, Blake Shipman and Brandon Shipman; great-nephew Easton Berding; great-niece Emily Berding; and numerous extended family members, friends and former coworkers.
She was preceded in death by several aunts and uncles.
FUNERAL AND VISITATION SERVICES
Visitation for Diane Bartusek will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. NE in Mason City.
Visitation will continue beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25, one hour before the funeral service.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Jani Dahlin of St. Croix Hospice officiating.
Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 11495 265th St., Mason City.
HOGAN-BREMER-MOORE COLONIAL CHAPEL is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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