Diane Betty (Danner) Mueller of Marshfield, Wisconsin, and Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2023, in Marshfield, after a series of health problems and hospitalizations. Diane was born September 11, 1935, in Milwaukee, to Evalyn Pautz Danner, and Julius Alexis Danner. After graduating from Washington High School, Diane attended Lakeland College, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and maintained a deep commitment to the school. It was there she met the love of her life, Ralph Mueller. Diane graduated in 1957 with a degree in Microbiology. After she and Ralph married on October 12, 1958, they stayed on in Sheboygan, both of them working at Lakeland for several years. Diane taught in the Biology Department, while Ralph worked in Admissions and Development. Diane had also worked as a Medical Technician and was also honored to work with Dr. Greenwalt on a blood project that would provide treatment options for patients with leukemia.

When she and Ralph moved to Pontiac, Michigan, for Ralph to work in Development at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Diane shifted her focus to volunteer work, which became, in essence, her career. Diane and Ralph joked at times about how her volunteerism kept her busier than a full-time job. Through the years, she was active in AAUW, and was a docent at both the Dodge Mansion, as well as at New Visions Gallery in Marshfield. Diane volunteered as part of several ongoing projects such as Daffodil Days, Plum Pudding Festival, and Christmas tree fundraisers, and served in many capacities with their churches in the various places they lived. Diane also became a member of PEO, through which she did much meaningful work, and developed wonderful friendships. With so many projects and organizations, it is inevitable that we have left some out and for that we apologize. Diane had a heart for giving and helped out wherever she could, serving on Boards, and stepping in where needed.

Diane and Ralph moved to Marshfield, Wisconsin, in 1984, where they continued to do the work they loved. Together they were active in the Auction of Champions, Relay for Life, and of course the Marshfield Medical Center Foundation. In later years, they both worked and contributed toward the establishment of the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in Sheboygan.

In retirement, Diane and Ralph began to spend winters in Mesa, Arizona, where they continued to build friendships and do the volunteer work, they both loved. It is difficult to separate Diane and Ralph as they went together in so many things. Together they enjoyed boating, golfing, Badgers and Packers games, parties, friends, and travel. Above all else, though, they loved to laugh. Diane's laughter would carry through a room, leaving no doubt as to its source. She brought lightness and fun with her wherever she went. Though she and Ralph both faced multiple health challenges over the years, they persevered in large part because of their senses of humor. They will be missed not only by family, but also by numerous friends in Wisconsin, Arizona, Michigan, and all over the world who became like family to Ralph and Diane.

Diane was predeceased by her husband, her parents, her brother, Dean Danner, brother-in-law, David, sister-in-law, Jean, and many friends. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Susan Danner, nephew Daniel Mueller, niece Sally (Jerry) Meyer, nephews Peter (Patty) Mueller, Steven (Monica) Mueller, and Mark Danner (Tia Taymar), and niece Kirstin (Eric) Batchelor, as well as several great-nieces and -nephews.

Memorials to honor Diane's legacy may be made to Lakeland University Advancement Office, Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, First Presbyterian Church of Marshfield, Scottsdale Congregational UCC, Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation (Farm Medicine Center or for Clinical Research), or to a non-profit of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church, Marshfield, where a gathering for family and friends will be from 10:00 am until service time.