Diane M. Winkenwader

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

She was born in Manhattan, Kan. 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, Kan. She attended grade school in Randolph until sixth grade when the family relocated to Waterville, Kan., 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.

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 of 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 where she made lifelong friends.

In 2000, she moved back to Waterville to be closer to her family. She was employed at Valley Heights Elementary School as the school counselor until her retirement.

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, and Kent (Erica) Winkenwader of Wichita; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and her brother Denny (Georgia) Winkenwader of Cypress, Calif.
Cremation was planned with a memorial service and inurnment to be held in the spring.

Memorials can be made to the Blue Rapids Pubic Library and sent in care of Terry-Christie Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, KS 66548. Condolences may be let at www.terrychristiefuneralhome.com.