Mary Jo Diers

Mary Jo A. (Johnson) Diers 

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mary Jo Diers, 85, of Athens, who died on June 24, 2025, at Copperleaf Assisted Living in Marathon, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 4, 1940, in Iowa to the late Carl and Leona (Schneider) Johnson.

After graduating from St. John’s Catholic High School in Bancroft, Iowa, Mary Jo worked for Doc Eagan, Northwest Airlines, and Dr. Miller Dermatology. On April 26, 1969, she was united in marriage to Ronald “Butch” Diers, and together they raised three children. Being a mom, homemaker, grandma, and great-grandma were roles she was most proud of and excelled at.

In 1980, Mary Jo and Ron began farming together and worked side by side on their Athens farm. They enjoyed attending Brewer games, traveling to visit family in Iowa and Missouri, playing cards, fishing, trips to the cabin, Friday night fish fries, couples bowling league, their annual bowling group, and park party outings.

A member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Mary Jo served on the PCCW Board, volunteered at the church food stand during the Athens Fair and helped with church fish fries during Lent. She also enjoyed her time as a reading buddy for St. Anthony’s School.

She is survived by her children, Patti Diers of Athens, Vicki (Mike) Tessmer of Oshkosh, and Jim (Ann Marie) Diers of Athens; grandchildren, Lucas (Kara) Diers, Alyssa (Matt) Weise, Hannah (Steve) Dahl, Jared (Haley) Diers, Stella (Nash) Cole-Ellenbecker, Emma Tessmer, and Ethan Tessmer; and great-grandchildren, Henry, Leona, Vera, Dawson, Theo, Felix, and two more on the way. Mary Jo is also survived by her siblings, Betty Rowlet, Karla (Karl) Schaa, Helen Ricke, Jerry (Sue) Johnson, and Mick Wolf; sisters-in-law, Elmira Masanz and Joan (Gary) Smidt; and dear family members Sandy (Curtiss) Erickson, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Diers; her parents, Carl and Leona Johnson; parents-in-law, Anthony and Cecilia Diers; siblings, Jim and Chuck Johnson; brothers-in-law, Jerry Rowlet, Dale Masanz, George Wisnewski, and Jim Ricke; and sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Wolf and Eleanore Wisnewski.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Copperleaf Assisted Living in Marathon for making her feel at home from day one. We are also grateful to Heartland Hospice for their care and support.

Visitation will be held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 30, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Athens, and again beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Father George Graham. Interment will follow at the Athens Calvary Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren: Lucas, Alyssa, Hannah, Jared, Stella, Emma, and Ethan.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

Mom, thank you for your strong and unwavering love for your family!