Patients, colleagues remember Bettendorf couple killed in plane crash

Don and Dianne Giammetta were from Bettendorf and well-known in the Quad Cities Area.

"They were life partners," says Dr. Karla Polaschek. "She just loved Don, he loved her. They were just really special people."

Polaschek, also an OB/GYN, worked at Medical Arts Associates with Dr. Giammetta for over twenty years.

"I can't even imagine going to work without her," she says somberly.

It wasn't only her co-workers who loved Dr. Giammetta. Her patients felt a special connection with her too.

"She was just really a good doctor," remembers Aimee Schumaker. "Somebody you looked forward going to see."

Schumaker has been seeing Giammetta at her practice for over 15 years.

She saw her for the last time on Monday for a procedure.

"It didn't go the way we planned it to go," admits Schumaker. "She was just so caring and nurturing and she put her hand on my arm."

Schumaker believes she really took the time to care for and get to know her patients.

Martina Lopez was a patient of Dr. Polaschek, but says Giammetta assisted with her five C-sections.

"I remember with our last child, she was real adamant about getting her out and getting her out safely," says Lopez. "She was just always kind and just caring and made you feel comfortable."

The outpourings from former patients turned mothers only continue for the late OB/GYN.

Rick Seidler, President & CEO, UnityPoint Health - Trinity, released a statement:

"Dr. Dianne Giammetta was a respected and valued member of our UnityPoint Health - Trinity family. Dr. Giammetta's dedication to her patients and their exceptional care improved the health of women and families throughout the greater Quad Cities community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Giammetta family during this difficult time.”

As for Dianne's partner Don, Fred's Towing, Inc. released this statement to TV-6:

"He was a wonderful man with a great heart and a love for life. He will be greatly missed...Please keep his and Dianne's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."