Kathleen Diener
May 19, 1957 -
May 26, 2022
Kathleen “Kathy” Erlin Diener, age 65, passed away peacefully at her residence in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, on May 26, 2022.
Born in Dekalb, Illinois, on May 19, 1957, she was the daughter of the late John Erlin Kaiser Jr. and Esther “Buffy” Marion Grad Kaiser-Dougherty. Kathy moved to Kenosha at one-years-old and attended Southport Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, and graduated from Tremper High School in 1975. She continued her education and earned her Associate Degree from Gateway Technical College in 1991.
She was employed as a Medical Assistant at Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha and in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Kathleen was blessed with two children, Matthew and Katherine “Katie.” She was incredibly proud of her children, who both served in the military. Matthew is a veteran of the Marine Corps and police officer in Milwaukee. Katherine is a Lieutenant in the Navy currently stationed at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
In 2019, Kathleen moved to Oak Creek, Wisconsin, to be closer to family. Kathleen’s best memories were spending the summers in Three Lakes, Wisconsin, and watching her grandchildren grow up. She loved the outdoors, waterskiing, bird watching, gardening and star gazing. Kathy was known to light up the room with her laugh, singing, and dancing.
She is survived by her children, Katherine (Seth) Diener and Matthew (Maria) Diener; her grandchildren, Ava and Johnathon Diener and her brother, John Erlin Kaiser, III.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents.
Service Info
Funeral services honoring Kathy’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the Piasecki Funeral Home.
A visitation for Kathy will be held on Sunday, May 29, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be made to Wayside Christian Mission www.waysidechristianmission.org.
Posted by:
Chris VincentSorry to hear of your loss John. Many memories. Chris
Posted by:
Dee Ann ((McDavid) ZimmerDear John, Katie and Matthew, I am so saddened to hear of Kathy’s death. She was the sweetest, funniest and dearest of childhood friends and we kept in touch for many years as adults. I remember so well having the family up in Door County to visit my mom’s home . We had such fun and I recall Mom mentioning what a fabulous mother Kathy was because Katie and Matthew were such good kids. I am sorry we lost touch in later years, but please know what a light she was in my life. My heart breaks for you.
Posted by:
Larry and Marla RaithOur deepest sympathy to Matt and Katie. Our son P..J. was good friends with Matt. Kathy always made P.J. feel like family and had a big heart. Always volunteered for school functions at Harvey and cared deeply for all.
Posted by:
Betsy RossI knew Kathy in elementary school and was a very close friend; I had many sleepovers at her house and witnessed the love shared between Kathy and her parents. Every night I was there, they exchanged "I love you" before going to bed, and I used to think how wonderful ... and being very jealous!! As we got older, we went our separate ways, but I will always fondly remember the birthday parties, joining the family for trips, and just sharing a wonderful friendship.
Posted by:
Karen DespinKathy &I met while both working @the Capelli Clinic many years ago. Our thing was to always call each other "Red", (both redheads") As time went on we both took positions working for a Specialist @ the main Aurora. In the early years many fun hours were enjoyed over coffee @ each others homes. I will always remember Kathy's bubbly personality, her big smile & huge heart. My sincere condolences to the family Luv ya "Red"
Posted by:
Alisa TaleronikI’m so very sad to hear this news, I haven’t seen Kathy for many years but have wonderful memories of working together with her at Harvey Elementary school when her daughter and my son attended there. We enjoyed making lifelong memories with the kids on field trips , many holiday parties for the classes and especially the 6 th grade trip .. she was a beautiful person. May she Rest In Peace and may her family find comfort in all those memories… Alisa Taleronik
