Diane Knoener

Diane Lynn Knoener, age 76, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Diane was born on July 1, 1949, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Harold and Dorothy (Etter) Michler. She attended Lakeland College and graduated in 1971 with a degree in Physics and Math. She married Ronald Knoener on July 24th, 1971 and together they had three daughters. 

Diane was a patient, kind, and supportive person, with a genuine love of life-long learning. After earning her original bachelor’s degree, she went back to school for another bachelor’s, this time in Business and Accounting and used those degrees in her employment at Lakeland College’s registrars’ office until 2014. 

In addition to learning from and listening to everyone around her, Diane loved family, sewing, crafting, travel/camping, puzzles, and games.  She could be counted on to make costumes, stuffed animals, curtains, tree skirts, quilts and more, both on request and as gifts.

Survivors include: three daughters and their partners: Lori Knoener (Scott Straub), Kristin Knoener (Nathan Gingerich), and Rachel Knoener (M’Bark Baddouh); grandson: Julian Straub; siblings: Howard Michler and Donna Wargo; sister-in-law: Donna Mae Ringel, beloved dog Vader, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Knoener and her parents Harold and Dorothy.

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at Ryan Funeral Home Legacy Center. At 1:00 pm there will be a sharing of memories, followed by a luncheon and games. In honor of Diane’s love for games, guests are requested to bring any games they would like to play during the luncheon.