Diane Winkenwader

Diane Marie (Dettmer) Winkenwader, age 74, of Blue Rapids, passed away at her home on Thursday, November 26, 2020.

Diane was born in Manhattan, Kansas at St. Mary’s Hospital on August 4, 1946 to Everett Dettmer and Cleo (Johnson) Dettmer. 

She and her older brother, Dr. Dennis (Denny) Dettmer spent the early part of their childhood in Randolph, Kansas. As a child, Diane was quite a tomboy and enjoyed sports and outdoor activities. She attended grade school in Randolph, Kansas, until 6th grade when the family relocated to Waterville, Kansas, due to the building of the Tuttle Creek Dam. 

After graduating from Waterville High School in 1964, she married Kenneth Winkenwader of Waterville. They had two children, Lynne (Winkenwader) Turner and Kent Winkenwader. She was a devoted wife and mother and took pride in keeping a beautiful home. 

Diane worked at the Waterville Post Office for many years as a clerk. She was a member of the Waterville Methodist Church, as well as being an active volunteer in her community. She and Kenneth later divorced. 

The next step in her journey took her to Kansas State University where she graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Elementary Education in 1992 and a Master of Science degree in 1994. She went on to be the school counselor at Stockton Elementary School in Stockton, Kansas where she made lifelong friends and wonderful memories. In 2000, she moved back to Waterville to be closer to her family. 

She was employed at the Valley Heights Elementary School as the school counselor until her retirement. She enjoyed teaching and helping students and will be remembered as a kind, thoughtful and empathetic person. She never failed to send a special card to family and friends, letting them know how much they were loved. 

After retirement, she enjoyed reading, spending time with her grandchildren and great -grandchildren. She valued her family and her close knit, lifelong friendships. She often reminisced and had wonderful memories of her train trips traveling to visit her brother Denny, sister-in-law Georgia and family in California.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Cleo, as well as her Aunt Bernice (Bernie) Johnson.

She is survived by her children: Lynne (Richard) Turner of Blue Rapids, Kent (Erica) Winkenwader of Wichita; along with grandchildren, Casey (Brandy) Turner of Blue Rapids, Christina (Tina) Turner of Silver Lake, Ks, and Madison (Madi) Winkenwader of Wichita, Ks. She is also survived by her brother Denny and wife Georgia of Cypress, CA; great-grandchildren, Dayton, Haden and Easton Turner of Blue Rapids, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Graveside Inurnment Service will be held at 10:00 am, on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at Riverside Cemetery in Waterville, with Pastor Shannon Borgman officiating. Music is to include Amazing Grace.  

Memorials can be made to the Blue Rapids Public Library and sent in care of Terry-Christie Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.