Diane Zenke

Diane loved well, laughed often and enjoyed life with Pat, her husband of 20 years. They shared a common love for hunting, fishing, their two kitties and all things outdoors. Many times she brought in more walleye or a bigger buck but he loved her all the more because of it. She was his compass, his counselor and his companion. Diane and Pat loved to travel and hold fond memories of the Alaskan cruise trips they shared. In October she was thrilled to celebrate her step-son Ryan's wedding and warmly welcomed Beth into the family. She always laughed the loudest at family gatherings; you may have heard her laughter at the PAC shows she attended with her mom on opening nights. After 20 years, it was difficult to leave her friends at Dr Florek's office and set aside her job as a Dental Assistant to pursue a new career in 2006. The transition to Humana as a Specialty Claims Information Specialist brought her new challenges which she conquered as easily as she made new friends. Her generosity and love was honored through her death as she became an organ donor giving others hope of new life.

Diane (Wirkes) Zenke of Greenville was born August 31, 1961 in Seattle, Washington and passed away on June 14, 2010 at age 48 after complications from surgery. She is survived by her husband Pat Zenke; a step-son Ryan Zenke and his wife Beth; mother Audrey (Gulig) Wirkes; father William Wirkes; brothers Mark Wirkes and David Wirkes; sister Mary Rockman and husband Al Rockman; and half-sister Robyn Wirkes. She is also survived by her mother-in-law Loretta Zenke and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents John and June Gulig and Joseph and Cecilia Wirkes, her uncle Rev Msgr Robert Gulig and her aunt Barbara Gulig.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri County Chapel, 3212 Oneida Street, Appleton on Thursday, June 17, 2010 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Friday visitation will be at 9:30 am followed by Mass at 10:30 am at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, N2385 Municipal Drive, Greenville with Fr. Mark Vander Steeg officiating.

The family has requested any donations be made in honor of Diane's life to the Medical College of Milwaukee or St Mary's Parish, Greenville. Thank you to all family, friends and coworkers at Humana who have supported Diane and Pat through her illness.
Wichmann Funeral Home
Tri County Chapel
3212 S. Oneida St
Appleton, WI 54915
920-831-9905