TOMAH- Diane K. Handy, age 70, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away at home peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, November 11, 2024. She was born on November 24, 1953, to Charles and Josephine (Rey) Aller in Tomah. Diane grew up in the Lemonweir neighborhood where some of her fondest memories were playing in the river with her brothers.
Little Ditty ‘bout Hal and Diane...
Diane and Hal were introduced for the first time at a highschool dance. She knew in her heart during their first dance that she would someday marry Hal. Although some might remember Diane as a cheerleader and Hal an avid athlete in football and wrestling, it was their love as highschool sweethearts that paved the way for their journey in life together.
Diane and Hal were joined in matrimony on January 15, 1972 on one of the coldest days of the year. Despite the frozen church, flowers and cake that day, they were married and have made the most of over 52 years of wedded bliss. Diane and Hal’s life together has been one of the greatest love stories of all time. They were a true example of “one flesh” united for eternity. They lived the promise of loving each other in good times and bad, sickness and in health, for better or for worse, till death do us part.
Diane enjoyed spending time visiting with family and friends, weekends up north at their lake home, and road trips with Hal, Pookie and Sophie. Diane will be remembered for her delicious cooking that she was always willing to share with family and friends. Her life legacy will forever be her strength, and natural ability to unconditionally love and care for others. She was the cornerstone of her family, a role she embraced with every fiber of her being. For many years Diane was a homemaker where she raised their 4 daughters and ran an in-home daycare. Many would say that one of her biggest accomplishments was raising the “Jo Handy Girls” her pride and joy. She also went on to hold jobs at the Northwest Telephone Company, Sears and ultimately becoming an owner/operator of The Crow Bar in Tomah, where she made many friends that became a part of her family.
Diane is survived by her husband, Hal and Special 4 legged princess Sophie; her loving daughters, Amy Jo (Paul) Schueler, Bobbi Jo Handy, Kelly Jo (Brian) Noth, and Linsey Jo (Jason) Rezin; and her adored grandchildren Matthew (Josie), and Trey Larkin, Halle, Charli, and Cole Schueler, Lauren and Lily Noth, Jaylin and Livia Rezin, in-laws Robert and MaryJo Handy, Greg and JoAnne Flock, and Shirley Aller, and many more cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents, mother and father-in-law Fred and Ruth Handy, brothers, Steven, Gregory, David, infant brother James and nieces Elizabeth and Emma Hart.
“Oh yeah, life goes on...long after the thrill of livin’ is gone!”
A private family prayer service will be held at Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah on Friday, November 22, 2024. We invite family and friends to celebrate Diane’s life on Saturday December 7, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Tomah American Legion Post 201. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Torkelson Funeral Home
