October 7, 2022 – Diane Christine Wohlwend, nee Haack, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 16, 2022. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 30, 1947, to Walter and Ruth (Juerke) Haack.
She grew up in Brookfield, Illinois. She attended Northern Illinois University, earning a Bachelor of Arts, Masters, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Her doctoral studies included study at the University of Oxford and a Dissertation on Seventeenth Century English Sermons. She worked for the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service in Wyoming, Nevada, and Alaska. She loved her jobs, the beauty of nature, preserving these lands for the future, and helping people resolve federal land claims.
While she was living in Alaska, she would often spend time for work in Denali National Park where she met a helicopter pilot, Ferdie “Fritz” Wohlwend, whom she married. Together they travelled, collected antique tractors, and adopted rabbits, cats, and dogs. After they both retired, she and Fritz moved to a farm in Missouri they named the “Tick and Chigger Ranch”, where they raised critters large and small, but particularly Irish Dexter cattle.
Diane loved her life on the farm and the animals they raised. Her particular favorites were her eight cats, two dogs, and a small flock of peafowl that she enjoyed spoiling. The pet treat companies will probably note a decline in sales! Diane developed a love of antique tractors and cars; however, she was particularly proud of her dream car “The Jag” and its supercharged V-8. She was fascinated with pink depression glass, was an avid reader, and spent many evenings needlepointing with a cat on her lap.
Diane was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Ruth Haack. Her beloved husband, Ferdie Wohlwend, followed her in passing within months after her. She is survived by her much-loved stepchildren, Tim Wattleworth (Elizabeth Perry) and Amy Paxson; and her sister Linda Haack. She also leaves behind several sisters-in law, cousins, nieces and nephews. Nephew Glenn Joyce who helped them with their farm for several years. She is also survived by three grandchildren (Emilia, Matthew and Michal Wattleworth), her grand dog (Heike); and numerous friends including two special friends, Ken and Sandy Predmore. Diane was a lovely and kind person, who will be missed greatly by all who knew her.
Per the wishes of Fritz and Diane there was no formal funeral, instead we plan to have a celebratory gathering October 21, 2022, starting at 4 pm, at the VFW Post #1393, 260 Sand Drive, West Bend. Fritz and Diane appreciated numerous charities and their efforts. In-lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your favorite Veteran’s Charity or Animal Rescue.
