Diane Margaret Wurtz

Diane Margaret Wurtz, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family. She was born on March 1, 1933, in Greenleaf, Kansas, to Bernard and Edith Leona Diederich.

Diane grew up alongside her siblings—older brother Don, older sister Winona, and younger brother Willis. She attended McGrath Elementary School and later graduated from Mount Saint Scholastica in Atchison. She continued her education at Donnelly College and the St. Margaret Hospital School of Nursing, where she earned her degree as a Registered Nurse.

On February 20, 1954, Diane married the love of her life, Bernard L. Wurtz. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and family, living in Topeka before settling in Hutchinson, Kansas for many years. In 1970, they made their home in Wichita, Kansas.

Diane dedicated her professional life to caring for others. She worked as a pediatric nurse in Hutchinson and later served patients in Wichita through her work in a doctor’s office and with St. Joseph Minor Emergency Centers. Her compassion and gentle care touched many lives.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Diane is survived by her five children: Bernadette Fetterolf (Don), Debbie Kimble (Ralph), Lori Stewart, Dawn Chastain (Randy), and Matthew Wurtz. She was a proud grandmother to fourteen grandchildren and great-grandmother to fifteen great-grandchildren.

Diane found great joy in simple, meaningful pursuits. She loved gardening and was a meticulous seamstress. Her favorite hobby was counted cross stitch, and her beautiful, detailed creations were cherished by many. She was also a longtime fan of Wichita State Shocker baseball.

A woman of deep faith, Diane was a longtime member of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic parishes. She had a profound appreciation for music, especially chorale and sacred music, and she passed that love on to her children, all of whom learned to play the piano.

Diane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bernard Wurtz; her brothers, Don and Willis; and her grandson, Justin Kahler.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her strong faith, her artistic talents, and the love she gave so freely to her family and all who knew her.

Rosary will be at 10:00 am, Funeral Mass will be at 10:30am, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, both at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial has been established with: Newman University, University Advancement, Nursing Scholarship, 3100 West McCormick Street, Wichita, Kansas 67213.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.