Diane Carol Wartgow

Diane was born on September 27, 1942, in Ashland, Wisconsin, to Robert and Carol Beirl. At the age of six, her family moved to Superior, Wisconsin, where she graduated from Superior Central High School before attending the University of Wisconsin–Superior where she received a Bachelor of Science and completed an internship in Medical Technology at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota.

While attending UW–Superior, Diane met Jerry Wartgow of Butternut, Wisconsin. They married on August 15, 1964, beginning a loving partnership that lasted more than sixty years. Together they raised two sons, Joel and Jeffrey, and built a home centered on warmth, humor, and unconditional love.

Diane’s greatest pride was always her family. In later years, Diane’s favorite role was being “Amma” to her four beloved grandchildren: Jaxson, Jase, Teddy, and Sage. They were the joy of her life. Her family will forever remember her kindness, strength, wisdom, thousands of homemade cookies, and millions of adventures.

Diane also built an accomplished career as a Board-Certified Medical Technologist, earning professional certifications in Wisconsin, California, Hawaii, and Illinois. Her commitment to learning and public health led her to earn a Master’s Degree in Environmental Health from Governor’s State University in Illinois.

From 1967 to 1969, Diane served as Director of the Laboratory for the U.S. Diplomatic Mission Medical Unit in Bangkok, Thailand, an experience that reflected both her professional expertise and adventurous spirit. Throughout her career, she was respected for her intelligence, leadership, and dedication to improving community health.

Her service extended far beyond the laboratory. Diane served on the Jefferson County Board of Health and became the first woman elected as its chair. She later served as chair of the National Association of Local Boards of Health, helping shape public health leadership at both the local and national level.

Diane also embraced the world with curiosity and enthusiasm. Together with Jerry, she traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states, two U.S. territories, and 82 countries. Whether abroad, at her home on Lookout Mountain in Golden, Colorado or at the family cabin on Butternut Lake in Wisconsin, Diane created a life filled with exploration, laughter, and memories that will live on through those who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Jerry; sons Joel (Lori) and Jeffrey (Kimberly); grandchildren Jaxson, Jase, Teddy, and Sage; brother Brian Beirl; and sisters Karen Koski and Pamela Beirl. The date of a Celebration of Life ceremony to be announced.