Diana Jean Horner

Diana J. Horner, age 79, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, just a few days shy of her 80th birthday. In a quiet completion of their shared journey, she passed on what would have been the birthday of her beloved husband of fifty-three years, Bill, with whom she now rests—reunited in eternal life.

Born and raised in Unity, Wisconsin, Diana was shaped by her roots in a hardworking farming family. She spent twenty-five years at Kohl’s Corporation, where she was a steady presence and trusted teammate. But her greatest sense of peace was found in the garden—digging, planting, pruning, and tending to the beauty she grew. The yard was her favorite place to be, where she cared for the natural world with patience, purpose, and pride. She loved sharing what she nurtured—armfuls of vegetables in the summer, divided perennials in the spring—always happy to pass along a piece of her garden to someone else.

Diana also found joy in life’s simplest pleasures. She loved watching the birds gather outside her window, chatting over a cup of coffee, and cooking and baking for her family. Her kitchen was a gathering place, and she always made sure someone’s favorite dish was on the table. These small acts of care were her quiet way of showing love.

Her greatest fulfillment came from her family. She raised her children—Wendy Meye, Jason Horner, and Jennifer Roberts—with strength, humor, and unwavering love. Her care extended to those who became part of the family: her son-in-law Brian, a faithful companion in the yard and garden; Ania Horner and Jon Roberts; and her grandchildren Rachel, Miles, Jack, and Abby, each of whom held a special place in her heart. In her final months, she was especially smitten by the arrival of her first great-grandchild, Margaret, whose presence brought her immeasurable joy.

With her quick wit and wry sense of humor, Diana often made others laugh when they least expected it. Generous and loving, she was the kind of person who would drop everything to help someone she cared about. She also wore her heart on her sleeve—tears came easily, whether from a sad story or a tender moment. Her emotions were never hidden, and her deep love for others was always evident in both word and action.

Her absence will be deeply felt. But those who knew her will carry her forward in the quiet legacy of a woman defined by loyalty, resilience, kindness, and courage. Diana showed up every day for the people she loved, met life’s challenges with grace, and lived with a steady heart full of care and conviction. Her spirit will live on—in her family, her gardens, her recipes, and the many lives she touched with love.

The family will hold a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Aurora At Home Hospice, in gratitude for the compassionate care and support their team provides to patients and families.