Dyan Marie Toepfer

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dyan Marie Toepfer, a loving wife, fantastic mother, fun grandma, fierce sister, amazing aunt and a remarkable woman.

Dyan passed away peacefully at home on May 4th, 2026 at the age of 75.  Dyan fought a tough battle with Multiple Myeloma for the last three years.

Dyan was born in Freeport, Illinois, and graduated from Freeport High School in 1968. That same year, on March 9, she married her high school sweetheart, Gene Toepfer. The couple began their life together in Victorville, California, while Gene served in the Air Force, before returning to Illinois to raise their two daughters and remain close to family. 

Dyan was a gifted artist and photographer whose talent was recognized throughout her life. She received numerous art awards, and in 2015 her photograph Tree Cathedral won the Oak Alley Plantation Fall Photo Contest. Many of her paintings can be found displayed in her home and in the homes of friends and family. Creative by nature, Dyan also loved making jewelry and enjoyed countless hours scrapbooking with her friends.   

Dyan was an active and dedicated member of several organizations in Belvidere, including the Junior Women’s Club, MELD, and St. Vincent de Paul. She also shared her faith by teaching CCD classes at St. James Church. In recent years, she enjoyed attending Bible study sessions with a wonderful group from the local Jehovah’s Witness congregation in Belvidere. 

Dyan had a remarkable ability to light up any room with her radiant smile and joyful presence. She was often the life of the gathering, always ready with a wonderful story or a well‑timed joke just when it was needed most. 

Dyan was preceded in death by her father Elmer Brown, mother Jeanette Scovel, step-father Delbert Scovel, brother Jerry Scovel and her loving grandparents Joseph and Alice Nampel.

Dyan is survived by her devoted husband and best friend of 58 years, Gene Toepfer; her two daughters, Heather (Chris) Palmer and Heidi (Bob) Brown; and her four cherished grandchildren, Aidan Brown, Zoe Palmer, Liam Brown, and Abby Palmer. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (themmrf.org) or to Sanctuary Hospice in appreciation of the wonderful care and support they provide.