IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Diane Sharon

Diane Sharon Trentlage Profile Photo

Trentlage

June 6, 1949 – April 27, 2025

Obituary

Diane Trentlage, lovingly known as "G" to her family, unexpectedly passed away on April 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, and love that will forever brighten the lives of those who knew her. A true worker bee, G's life was a testament to dedication, whether she was serving others or bringing joy through her culinary creations and quick wit.

Born on June 6, 1949, in Oakland, California, Diane poured her heart into every role she took on. Over the years, she worked tirelessly in dispatch for Air Wisconsin, as a county worker at the Outagamie County landfill, and as a waitress and bartender at Willie's Supper Club. For nearly the last two decades, Diane worked as a housekeeper at ThedaCare in Neenah, surrounded by her beloved work family. One of Diane's proudest moments at ThedaCare was earning the Exceptional Patient Care Award, honoring the profound difference she made in countless lives. On the eve of her planned retirement, Diane's love for her colleagues shone through when she chose to delay her retirement, unwilling to part with the deep bonds she had formed. Her infectious spirit sparked a beloved tradition at ThedaCare: a monthly bake-off that united her work family in laughter and sweetness.

G's kitchen was a haven of warmth and comfort. Her banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, and pumpkin bars were legendary, and she even baked dog-friendly treats for her furry grandbabies. Her lumpy mashed potatoes with ham gravy, stroganoff, and cheesy potato soup were the heart of countless gatherings, each bite a reminder of her care. G's humor was her superpower; she'd often quip, "At my age, I can do and say what I want and get away with it," delivering lines with a twinkle in her eye that lit up every room. She was the spark of every gathering, her presence a gift to all.

A devoted fan of NCIS, G held a special place in her heart for the character Sam Hanna, played by LL Cool J. Her family gifted her a life-sized LL Cool J cutout, which became a constant companion. True to her playful spirit, G requested that her LL Cool J cutout stand by her side at her funeral and be placed in the casket before burial, a final nod to her unique humor.

Above all, Diane's greatest joy was her family, from her brother and sister-in-law to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She poured love into every moment, whether sharing heartfelt stories, baking treasured treats, watching movies, playing card games, or simply being the fun-loving, laughter-filled presence they adored. Her family was her heart, and her love for them knew no bounds.

G was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Justin Trentlage-Van Gompel, who passed away on March 6, 2025, and is surely in Heaven, eagerly requesting her mashed potatoes and ham gravy, his kisses for her endless in return.

Diane is survived by her children:  Yvonne Trentlage-Poeschl, Neenah; Robin (Mike) Van Gompel, Kaukauna; Tony Trentlage, Kaukauna; and Katie (Mike) Gerhartz, Kaukauna; grandchildren:  Chelsea Knaack, Peyton Poeschl, and Hailie Poeschl; Carley Van Gompel, Jake (Sam) Eichinger, and Brendenn Van Gompel; Clinton Baugher; Anna Gerhartz, Lauryn Peterson, Mikaila Gerhartz, and Bennett Gerhartz; great grandchildren:  Jax Knaack, Emma Eichinger, and Liam Stezenski; brother, Dale (Carrie) Reuter; and nieces and nephews:  Julie Statema, Laura Kelly, Jenny Adams, and Allison Olcott.  She is further survived by her ThedaCare work family, great nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, John and Phillipa (Corbin) Reuter; her son, Travis James Trentlage; and grandson, Justin Trentlage-Van Gompel.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 at HOLY CROSS PARISH (309 Desnoyer Street, Kaukauna) from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.  Her Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. with the Rev. Luke Ferris officiating.  Committal Holy Cross Cemetery.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Diane Sharon Trentlage, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Visitation

May
3

10:00 - 11:45 am

Funeral Mass

May
3

Starts at 12:00 pm

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