Obituary: Diane E. Kratz

Diane E. Kratz, age 77, of Brillion, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at ThedaCare Medical Center in Neenah. 

Diane was born on October 1, 1947 in Manitowoc County, daughter of the late Gilbert & Cora (Radloff) Krueger.  Diane graduated from Brillion High School, class of 1965.  On July 9, 1966, Diane married the love of her life, Arthur “Art” Kratz at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Brillion.  He preceded her in death on May 15, 2019.  Diane was employed for 34 years at Chilton Metal Products, and she then worked at Ariens Company for 13 more years until her retirement.  Diane enjoyed gardening, was good at making her tortes and famous candy, and loved watching her numerous nieces and nephews almost every weekend, all of whom she and Art treated like their own children.  Two very special people are Todd Krueger and Tina Broehm, and they were there almost every weekend!

Diane is survived by her siblings and in-laws: Harold (Faye) Krueger, Gilbert Jr. Krueger, Willard (Lana) Krueger, Bernice Behnke, Norb & Barb Kratz, and Evelyn Loose; Godchildren: Donald Gronke I, Donnie Gronke II, Cindy Gronke, Roger Gronke, Tammy Olp, Kevin Loose, Amy Slates; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; other relatives, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents: Gilbert & Cora Krueger; her husband: Art; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Fred & Lena (Grand) Kratz; other siblings and in-laws: Merlin & Gloria Krueger, Janice Krueger, Hank & Helen Kratz, Clarence & Laverne Kangas, Ralph & Lucille Gronke, Helen Kratz, Lester Behnke, George & Lillian Mangin, Wesley Loose, and Ralph & Audrey Kratz; Godchildren: Corrina Krueger and Jerry Posen; and other relatives.

Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Brillion.  Officiating was Rev. Ross Henzi and Rev. Thomas Fricke.  Burial was in Trinity Ev. Lutheran Cemetery, Brillion.

Online condolences may be made at www.pielhop.com

The family would like to extend a special thank you to ThedaCare Medical Center and ThedaCare Hospice for all of the compassion shown to Diane during her time there. 

The Pielhop Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville assisted the family with funeral arrangements.