Diane Bernice Haagensen

Diane Bernice Haagensen, loving mother and wife, 83, passed away peacefully at Aurora Medical Center Kenosha with family by her side on Thursday, June 25, 2026, following a courageous on and off battle with cancer. Diane was a true miracle, surviving 8 years beyond her initial diagnosis in June of 2018. Diane was born on August 11, 1942, one of 4 beloved siblings, to the late Anthony and Thora (nee: Anderson) Barbera in Racine, WI. Diane was united in marriage to the love of her life Duane on November 18, 1961 at Franksville United Methodist Church (now Faithbridge) where she had attended for the entirety of her life. Diane, a true beauty inside and out, met her husband and true love Duane at the Kraut Festival on a warm summer day in the small town of Franksville, where she was 1st runner-up in the Kraut Queen contest. A couple of years later, they were united in marriage and were ultimately blessed with four children (Todd, Russell, Brian and Cori). Diane cleverly and often referenced the “U and I” distinction in “Duane and her” first names. She was the family matriarch, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, cousin, and friend to all. Aside from her life as a homemaker, raising her children, babysitting for her grandchildren, and caring for her elderly parents, Diane spent many years working as a teller at the local Franksville bank. Throughout the course of her life, Diane was often an active member of the church, previously serving as treasurer, volunteering for church functions and fundraisers, and participating in the Women of Faith group. She also found joy in “Cousins Club”, in which the female cousins in the family embraced a tradition of hosting monthly gatherings over the course of many years. Mom prioritized God and family, was prayerful and pure, loved unconditionally and equally, was generous, supportive and our biggest cheerleader in life. One of her favorite songs to sing to all of us in our youth was “You Are My Sunshine”, but she was truly our sunshine. She most cherished time with family and friends, destination vacations, annual family trips to visit Dad’s relatives in Minnesota, local family reunions, and gatherings for holidays and special occasions. She was an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers, enjoyed frequently dining out, attended numerous concerts and shows, loved sunsets, flowers, and nature. Diane also had a natural talent for arts and crafts. Among the things she enjoyed over the years were sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, baking and decorating special birthday cakes, drawing, and writing short children’s stories. Although the timing is bittersweet, her granddaughter Alyssa is currently and lovingly illustrating and preparing to publish one of those treasured stories to fulfill Diane’s dream of becoming a children’s book author. Her favorite pastimes included solving crossword puzzles and listening to many of her favorite artists and songs on repeat. Her collections of angels, dolphins, elephants, lighthouses, and other figurines also brought her joy, many of them received as gifts from family and friends. Diane is preceded in death by her husband Duane of 63 years and other loved ones. Surviving are her children, Todd (special friend Darcy LaMeer) Haagensen, Russell (Fatima) Haagensen, Brian (Tammy) Haagensen, and Cori (Josh Voisin) Haagensen; grandchildren, Angela (Katrisa) Haagensen, Katie Haagensen, Nichole Haagensen, Colin Haagensen, Alyssa (Joseph) Darby, Kara (Xavier) Ornelas, and Amy Haagensen; great grandchildren, James, Jack, Ethan, Shawn, and Xavier Jr.; siblings, Elsie Haskell, and Mel (Mitzi) Barbera; brother-in-law, Danny (Sandy) Haagensen; sisters-in-law, Renee Felver, Darlene Merritt, Debbie Haagensen, and Carol Kamakian. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Diane was preceded in death by parents, Anthony and Thora Barbera; brother, Ron Barbera; brothers-in-law, Dick Haagensen, Robert (Bernice) Haagensen, Roy (Marylynn) Haagensen, Ronald (Linda) Haagensen, Donald (Karen) Haagensen, Gerald Haagensen, Dennis Haagensen, and Ricky Haagensen; sisters-in-law, Bernice Haagensen, Marylynn Haagensen, Linda Haagensen, Karen Haagensen, and Sue Haagensen; brothers-in-law, Don Felver, and Tom Merritt. Services will be held at Faithbridge Church, 10402 Northwestern Ave, Franksville, WI 53126 on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 11 a.m. There will be a visitation at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service. Diane will be laid to rest at West Lawn Memorial Park. To Mom/Grandma/Great Grandma, we love you more than words can express and will dearly miss your earthly presence. Until we meet again, rest in peace.

Tributes

Diane Bernice Haagensen

August 11, 1942 - June 25, 2026