Dianne Helen Ferris

Dianne Helen Wunsch Ferris passed away in Tampa, Florida on September 30, 2025, after courageously battling cancer for 18 months. She was born on December 29, 1942, to Harvey and Doris Wunsch in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Dianne studied nursing at Milwaukee County Hospital and became an RN in 1964. It was there that she met the love of her life, aspiring doctor Alfred Joseph Ferris, and they married in 1965 before moving to Florida.

Dianne loved growing up on a farm and had a special love for all the animals and chores that came with it. Her family roots were always important to her. In 1966, Eric John was born, and a year later they welcomed Amy Michelle.

Dianne is remembered for her creative talents, her love of golf and gardening, and especially for her decades of devoted service to children battling cancer. She volunteered for more than 33 years, serving 22 of them on the Children’s Cancer Center board, and was a member of the Philanthropic Women of St. Joseph’s. She often shared her short stories and handmade ceramic figurines with the children she visited, each creation carrying a special meaning for its recipient. She did the same for her grandchildren, family, and friends, passing along her spark for creativity and inspiring their own interest in art. Her devotion to children also led her to start a Christmas pageant at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Vacation Bible School, and a young Christian teen group called Cool Cats for Christ.

Dianne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Alfred Joseph Ferris, and her son, Eric John Ferris. She is survived by her daughter, Amy, and her husband, Kevin Listen, and their children, Connor, Harrison, Brody, and Avery; and by her daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and her children with Eric, Jackson, Carter, and Reagan Ferris. She is also survived by her brother, Warren Wunsch, and his wife, Joan, her sister, Barbara Kaeppler, and her husband, Karl, and brother-in-law James Ferris and his wife Babetta, along with many nieces and nephews who brought her great joy.

Those who knew her were will remember her kindness, sense of humor, and deep love for children, nature, animals—especially ladybugs—and her endless creativity. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. “Lake Ferradise,” as they lovingly called their peaceful home on Lake Lipsey, will never be the same without the energy and joy Dianne and Big Al brought to this wonderful community.

A Memorial Mass will take place at St. Paul’s Catholic Church at 10 AM on Friday, November 14, 2025, located at 12708 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Children’s Cancer Center, 4901 W. Cypress St., Tampa, FL 33607

https://childrenscancercenter.org/donate/