Diane Wenger

Diane Leslie Wenger, age 72, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo Michigan. Born on April 14, 1954, to Perry and Ruth Phillips, Diane grew up in Homer, Michigan and graduated from Battle Creek Lakeview High School. She went on to study nursing and worked in healthcare for over 30 years, a career which later brought her life to Kalamazoo.

Diane was a woman of many talents and passions. She had an eye for interior design and loved to express herself through the home she kept as well as the many hobbies she adopted over her years. Her hobbies were almost too many to count: weaving, beekeeping, book clubs, sailing; she was a master gardener, and she followed her father Perry's passion for crafting and art. More than anything, Diane cherished her time with family and her greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren; the moments she spent with them were the highlights of her life.

Surrounded by "besties", Diane was a force of kindness and hospitality, truly brightening the lives of everyone she met whether they be family, friends, colleagues, or strangers. She approached life with an open heart, and she kept a biting sense of humor to remind you that she was strong enough to shake off anything that life threw at her.

Diane is survived by her beloved husband William Wenger, her sons Matt Koerner, Justin Whalen, and Joe Whalen, stepsons Garrett Wenger and Evan Wenger, and grandchildren Hailey Whalen, Ava Whalen, Draven Koerner, and Ahri Koerner. She is also survived by her siblings Steve Phillips, Leslie Stevens, and James Phillips. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Perry and Ruth, as well as her brother David.

A small graveside committal will be held for close family and friends at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Thursday June 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM. A larger memorial reception will be held at the Parkview Hills Clubhouse in Kalamazoo on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 4:30-7:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.