Diane Jean Wasniewski (Kozikowski)

Diane Jean Wasniewski, 80, village of Kronenwitter, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital; with her two sons and their wives by her side.

She was born on November 8, 1941, at Stanley Hospital in Stanley, Wisconsin. She is the daughter of the late Peter and Mildred (Kalecacky) Kozikowski. On May 26, 1979, she was united in marriage to her soulmate and partner, Emil Wasniewski.

Diane grew up on a farm in Curtiss, Wisconsin. Diane attended a one-room school (Midway), grades 1-8; and she graduated in 1960 from Owen-Withee High School. She attended and graduated University of Wisconsin – Stout. Diane worked at Marshfield Hospital as a dietitian. She continued her passion of food at Wausau Hospital North, until Aspirus Hospital was built. Diane was integral to the transferring of services from Wausau North to Aspirus, where she continued working until her retirement. Even beyond her retirement, Diane’s passion for food and service continued while working at the Rose Garden Catering and Banquet Services for several years.

Diane was community and service focused until her passing. She has been a member of both the Lioness and Lion’s Clubs for over 30 years. Throughout the years, she held many positions including District Governor. Diane proudly oversaw the Youth Exchange Program; she and her husband hosted over 100 students from around the world… Many still think of her as their ‘American Mom’. As a representative of the Lion’s Club, she traveled to Korea, Japan, and Canada. Diane and Emil have friends and family all over the World. Often they were invited to stay and visit these friends they met. Together, Diane and Emil traveled to Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Mexico, and Hong Kong. The Youth Exchange Program expanded their lives. Anywhere Diane traveled, she made a new friend; she never knew a stranger. Through her love of people and food, her professional and personal lives blended into a never-ending quest to expand her knowledge of culture, styles, and cuisine. In addition, she organized and ran the kitchen at the Lion’s summer camp programs. For various Lion’s and community events, Diane was the driving force behind the food truck which was a major fund raiser for their club and community. She was preceded in death by her parents Peter and Mildred Kozikowski.

Diane had several passions in life, her family was the most important. Diane is survived by her husband Emil, and two sons, Peter McKensey (Allyson) and Paul Pawelski (Tara). She also has three step-children, Terry, Rick, and Lisa. Through their childhood, Diane and Emil took their children across the 48 continental United States, camping in a van they converted. Together they have fourteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two more that are expected in December. She is survived by her two sisters Patsy Yocum and Nancy Gemilli who have given her twelve nieces and nephews. Diane loved to spoil all her children and grandchildren. She is known for her bottomless bags full of her wonderful finds.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that a donation be made to the Lion’s Camp in memory of Diane at https://wlf.info/donate/.

A memorial service will take place at 1:30 P.M. on November 16, 2021, at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee. The Rev. Marion Talaga will officiate. Visitation will take place from 11:30 A.M. until the time of service all at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Mosinee Cemetery. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.