The Wagen and Walter/Slaughter families lost a wife, mother, sister and much more when Dianna Wagen passed away in the early morning hours of August 14, 2022.The grandmother and great grandmother loved by so many surrendered to the lung ailments that sidelined her for the past several years.
Dianna Wagen was born November 20, 1947 in Black River Falls, Wi to Elvert and Jenny (Slaughter) Walter and lived her early years in various areas of Wisconsin, where her father was a farmer, welder and tool and die maker. Dianna’s mother was a skilled homemaker who raised four other daughters and was instrumental in helping to raise her younger siblings and other members of her large extended family.
Dianna lived as a married woman and raised three children with her late husband Jerry and her ex-husband Paul in the La Crosse and Blair, Wi areas and later relocated to the Milwaukee area. In 1978 Dianna enlisted in the U.S. Army, prompted by her family’s legacy of military service , which included her Dad (served in the Pacific in WWII), two of her sisters and three of her brothers-in-law. Dianna’s specialty was in the medical field and she continued on that path when she left the Amy and enrolled at Milwaukee Area Technical College, where she graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse once she passed the Wisconsin State Exams. Before Dianna retired in 2011, she had obtained nursing licenses in Wisconsin, Florida and Illinois.
While attending MATC Dianna met and married Theodore (Ted) Wagen on July 20, 1981 and remained married to him for 41 years until her death. Dianna and Ted resided in various areas of Wisconsin until relocating to Florida in 1996, where they lived in Pinellas and Pasco Counties. Dianna worked primarily in Senior Care, both at home and in rehab facilities, and mostly always preferred the 2:30-11 shift because she was proud to provide a quiet and orderly environment in which the residents could retire for the night.
Dianna spent her leisure time traveling with Ted between Florida and Wisconsin, playing records & cassettes with her teenage daughters, raising small dogs, including Poodles, Shi-Tzu/Yorkie/Maltese mixes (for over 20 years), crafting, working on home improvement, watching 1940’s & 1950’s movies, and PBS mysteries. In the retirement years the TV set was seldom turned off as she focused on the programs to take her mind off of her disabilities. For 10+ years she could be seen driving her red Mercury Capri convertible, and was very proficient at handling a 5-speed transmission.
Dianna Wagen was preceded in death by all of her grandparents, her father Elvert (2003), her mother Jenny (2015), ex-husband Jerry Plonsky (2008) and various aunts and uncles. She is survived by her husband Ted Wagen of Port Richey, Fl, her ex-husband Paul Dahlby of La Crosse, Wi, son Todd Hayes of Wisconsin, daughters Jennifer Goodare of Franklin, Wi, and Jamie White of Loves Park, Il. There are 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren surviving, along with four sisters Karen (James) Bush of Waunakee, Wi, Jenny (Thomas) Hedrick of Marriotsville, Md, Kathryn Walter of Waupaca, Wi and Pamela (Butch) Berzinski of Brodhead, Wi. Also, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles are surviving Dianna.
Dianna requested a simple cremation with no ceremony at a facility that specializes in honoring veterans. Suggested donations would be to any facility or organization that promote smoking cessation or curing diseases of the lungs.
Our sympathies for your loss.
Steve and Rae Delle Nelson and family.
So sorry for the loss of Dianna.
Steve & Nancy Brey
Jeff n I both wish we had met you guys earlier than we did. looks like Dianne had a full life, a life filled with love, family and many fulfilling experiences. I know you guys will miss her, she is with The Lord now..
Sympathy for the family loss, I remember how close our families were when we were younger.
Many Blessings to the family from the family over here at Ford of Port Richey. Mr.Wagen is an honorable man who adored his wife and their love and for that we appreciate them both. God Bless