It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Diane M. Hansen. Diane was born on January 15, 1949, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, a daughter of Leslie J. and Grace Koutnik Valleskey. She peacefully transitioned out of this life on August 15, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Diane graduated a class officer of the Manitowoc Lincoln High School class of 1967 and attended Carroll College (University), returning back to Manitowoc to start a family and raise her three sons Jeff, James, and Jon Wick.

Somehow between chasing her three rowdy boys around all their activities, Diane worked several different administrative jobs. None more important to her than opening her own business, From the Heart Floral Shop. She ran the successful business for over 7 years, where her creativity truly shined. She enjoyed her employees and cherished being able to add beauty to so many of life’s moments.

Diane’s life will be remembered as one of generosity and service. She was constantly and graciously giving of her time-and signature Diane flair-to numerous groups and organizations. Diane spent 42 years as a writer, actor, and fundraiser for Heart-A-Rama, helping raise millions of dollars for the American Heart Association and distributing AED’s throughout the community.

Diane enjoyed the communities she found at First Presbyterian and Melnik Presbyterian Churches, helping the church youth programs and as a church Session member. When the snow finally got the better of her, she headed south to Naples, Florida where she served on the Cobblestone Neighborhood Housing Board. She was an expert at entertaining, perfecting the decorations and snacks whether it was a Packer game, bridge club, a family holiday, or simply a house full of boys.

When her sons were playing high school sports, she once again answered the call to help, becoming the President of the Manitowoc Ships Booster Club for nearly a decade. She was a mainstay in the stands, with her signature blond hair, dressed head-to-toe in red and white, and she was a favorite among her sons’ friends. They collectively nicknamed her Mama Bear, and it couldn’t have been more fitting. She was a mom to everyone she met. If you found yourself in Mama Bear’s orbit, you knew she was rooting for you.

She loved participating in the theater, including her role on the Board of Directors at the Capitol Civic Centre. Some of her favorite on-stage roles were in Charlotte’s Web, being Mrs. Cratchit in The Christmas Carol, and playing the Wicked Witch in the Wizard of Oz – “I’ll get you my pretty.” But of all her roles, her absolute favorite was being Nana to her seven grandchildren, Kylie, Brady, Sophia, Gray, Kellen, Kye, and Mira.

In 2002, Diane’s path crossed once again with a man who we know was destined to be her soulmate, Peter Hansen. They married June 28, 2008. In Peter, she met her perfect complement, an angel who made her feel whole. They enjoyed watching sports, traveling the world, and spending time at their cottages in northern Wisconsin and with friends at their condo in Naples. Sorry ladies, Diane was explicit that Peter remain ‘off the market.’

Diane was her absolute happiest when her people were together. We’re so grateful she planned the perfect family reunion last summer. She was a living example of how to use your gifts to impact the world for good. She had a knack for making everyone welcome, remembered, and comfortable in her presence. Her legacy isn’t just one thing; it’s the care she imparted in those close to her, the joy she spread so freely, the time and talent she gave so generously, and the unwavering support she showed. We are all better because of how Diane lived and will sure miss those great Mama Bear hugs.

Diane leaves behind the love of her life, Peter Hansen; Jeff and Shelley Wick and their children, Kylie, Brady, Sophia, and Kellen; James and Sara Wick and their children, Gray and Kye; and Jon and Cassie Wick. She is also survived by Peter’s children, Jon and Lauren and their daughter, Mira; Katherine and Kelly; and Michael; her brother, George (Chelle) Valleskey; and her niece and nephew, Leslie and Brad; and her niece Diane G. Diane also leaves behind her beloved Danish ‘family,’ whom she cherished very much, and many more people than we can name. We are comforted knowing she will be greeted by so many of her heavenly family and friends.

A heartfelt thank you to the caring staff on the 7th floor of ThedaCare in Appleton and to her now and forever angel, Peter, for so lovingly caring for our girl until the very end.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, August 23 from 12-2pm, followed with a celebration of life, what her boys are calling ‘Mom’s Party’, at 2pm at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water Street, Manitowoc, WI. No reception to follow.

Donations can be made in Diane’s name to the Capitol Civic Centre. But we know what would truly make Diane smile is for you to enjoy some Kringle in her memory, send a card to someone you love (she was the absolute best at that), and as she so often did at her beloved Kelly Lake, take a moment to soak in the wonder of the sunset. We look forward to hearing her whisper to us through that beauty.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.