Diane K. (Lehner) Ritzinger

Diane K. Ritzinger, 79, Athens passed away on Wednesday March 6, 2024, while under the care of Interim Hospice at Our House Memory Care, Wausau after a long illness.

She was born May 7, 1944, in Nekoosa, daughter of the late Frank and Gertrude (Grutzik) Lehner.  On June 6, 1970, she married Arnold “Arnie” Ritzinger in Nekoosa.  He survives.

Diane was a public-school teacher in Athens beginning as a home economics instructor and, after staying home raising her children, finishing as a reading specialist.  She taught in the Athens system for 24 years. She enjoyed tending to her flowers and garden, traveling to Door County, playing the piano, yoga and, above all, spending time with her family.  Diane also enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, and being involved with the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association.

Survivors include her husband, Arnie Ritzinger, Athens, her children, Karen (Geoff Barrow) Ritzinger and David (Jolie) Ritzinger, her two adorable grandchildren, Abraham and Jack Burrow and her sister, Sandra Heminger.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers, Johnny and Frankie and her brother-in-law, David Heminger.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens on Friday, May 24, 2024.  The Rev. George Graham will preside.  Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the services time all at church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com