Diane A. Trendel

Diane A. Trendel, age 77, of Appleton, passed away on October 17, 2020 at a local hospital. In her final moments, she was welcomed home to heaven by her beloved brother, Jimmy. Diane was born on May 23, 1943 to Alphonse and Marcella (Heisler) Recker. After she graduated from Hortonville High School, she married James C. Mielke on June 6, 1964 and he preceded her in death in 1993. She married Jerome Trendel on September 18, 1999.

She was employed for more than 20 years with Appleton Supply Company, retiring as a foreman. After her retirement from Appleton Supply, she worked at Outagamie County Airport in the ticket booth for the parking lots. She loved that job very much and enjoyed all the new people she met.

Diane was full of love, for family and friends. She was a woman of Christian faith. She loved to keep the wheels turning and be out and about. Collecting matchbook covers was a highlight in her life. She was a longtime member of the RMS Matchbook Cover Society. Diane made many lifelong friends as a member of the society and cherished them all. Her love for sewing and crocheting was evident with all of her handmade donations to her church and the military. This included quilts and crocheted hand towels. Diane was also a huge fan of Elvis and John Wayne.

She will be sadly missed by her husband Jerome, her son, Timothy “Tim” (Kris) Mielke of Kaukauna, grandchildren: Grey Mielke and Kenzie Mielke, step-children: Jarrod (Sandy) Trendel and Jennifer Trendel, step-grandchildren, Samantha and Lawton Trendel, and Storm (Brett) Linjer as well as many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband James, one infant son Thomas, a baby sister Barbara Ann and a baby brother Ralph as well as 6 brothers: Donald C., Roland L., Robert L., James G., Richard H. and David R. Recker.

Due to current circumstances, private services will be held. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery. For more information and to express condolences, please visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com.

The family would like to say thank you to the nurses, doctors and staff of ThedaCare Appleton (A.M.C.), who were amazing in caring for Diane. Additionally, many thanks to Karen, her home care helper as well as Georgie, her close friend.