Diane Dregne Lemorond

On May 23, 2026, Diane Lemerond peacefully completed her earthly journey at home in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, surrounded by her family, returning to her spiritual home at the age of 89.

Diane was born in Viroqua, Wisconsin, on September 8, 1936, to Sylvan “Sully” and Leola “Odie” Dregne. A 1954 graduate of Viroqua High School, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Bacteriology. In 1957, she met her future husband, Ron, and they were married in 1959. Diane worked as a technician at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene while Ron completed graduate school.

Together they built a loving family and raised three children: Rick Lemerond (Cathy), Laurie Lemerond Neumann (Michael), and Rob Lemerond (Mary Lynn). Diane’s legacy continues through her grandchildren: Mary Wirth (Randy), Matt Lemerond, Larissa Clancy (Danny), Erik Neumann, Alex Rozmenoski (Waylon), Nick Lemerond (Natalie), and bonus grandson Tony Neumann; and her great-grandchildren: Sadie, Mara, Thea, and Harland.

After dedicating her early married years to nurturing her growing family, Diane resumed her career at St. Luke’s Hospital in Racine, where she served in several roles, including EKG Manager, until Ron’s career took them to England for a two-year assignment. While abroad, she became active in the American Women’s Club and enjoyed traveling throughout England, Scotland, and continental Europe. Upon returning to Racine, she continued her work in the medical field, supporting a physician in private practice.

Following her retirement in 1998, Diane devoted herself to her family, finding great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and tending her beautiful gardens, which reflected the care and pride she poured into them. Even as advancing arthritis limited her ability to garden, she continued to appreciate the peaceful natural setting of her lakeside home.

Diane was truly the heart of her family - the center that brought everyone together. She was the life of every gathering, happiest when surrounded by family, laughter, and conversation. Her unending love, generosity, and welcoming spirit touched everyone who knew her.

In 2022, Diane and Ron began their next chapter together at The Waters of Oak Creek, where they found comfort and support in a welcoming senior community.

Sadly, Diane’s final years were impacted by dementia, which gradually stole much of the joy she once found in connecting with family and friends. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now free from those burdens and reunited with the kindred spirits who preceded her in death, including her parents, Sully and Odie Dregne, beloved aunts, uncles, and longtime friends.

Diane will be dearly missed by Ron, her devoted husband; her children; and her extended family, who will forever cherish the memories they shared together - the laughter, the celebrations, the tears, and the enduring love she gave so freely throughout her life. One day they will be reunited again.

In her final months, Diane and her family were blessed with loving and compassionate care from the staff of The Waters of Oak Creek Memory Care and, more recently, St. Croix Hospice. Their kindness and support brought comfort not only to Diane, but also to her family during the long goodbye.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Sacred Journeys Spiritual Community, the Alzheimer’s Association, or St. Croix Hospice.

Please join Diane’s family for her final farewell at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main Street, on Monday, June 15th, with visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12:00 p.m.