Diane C. Connor

Diane Caroline Connor was born on December 19, 1955, in Greenville, Wisconsin, to Richard and Virginia Peters. The middle child of nine, Diane grew up on a farm where she learned the values of hard work, humility, and quiet strength—qualities beautifully modeled by her mother, who remained her greatest support throughout her life.

Diane met the love of her life, Bill Connor, on a blind date, and they were married in July of 1977. Together, they quickly grew their family, welcoming four children—three daughters, Kessa, Jonah, and Holly, and finally a son, Judd.

Diane’s heart’s desire was always to be a stay-at-home mother, a role she fulfilled with exceptional devotion and grace. When a brain injury left Bill unable to work, Diane courageously stepped into the role of provider for her family. She carried this responsibility with perseverance and without complaint. It was during this difficult season that Diane came to know Jesus personally—a relationship that became the foundation of her strength and endurance.

Throughout her life, Diane faithfully modeled kindness, patience, gentleness, and unwavering faith. Like her mother, she was quiet in spirit, yet her life radiated compassion and love. She loved Jesus deeply, and she loved others exceptionally well. Her children and grandchildren were her whole world, and she would set aside anything to be there for them at any moment.

Even during her most difficult battle with cancer, Diane continually returned to the words of Scripture, often repeating:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5–6

Diane’s deepest desire, even in her death, was that the gospel be proclaimed. She would want everyone reading this to know what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ—to declare Him as Lord and to live a life that honors and glorifies Him.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Virginia Peters; her in-laws, Gene and Jean Connor; her brother, Mark Peters; her sister, Kay Tiffin; her brother-in-law, Richard Pompa; her sister-in-law, Donna Peters; her nephew, Joseph Peters; and her niece, Bobbi Jo Bain Connor.

She is survived by her beloved husband, William Connor; her children, Kessa (Chris) Erickson, Jonah (Brad) Kosmalski, Holly (Craig) Petersen, and Judd Connor; and her eight treasured grandchildren: Austin, Antek, Davis, Eli, Sami, Jace, Calla, and Brennan.

Her legacy of faith, love, sacrifice, and quiet strength lives on through all who were blessed to know her.

Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Weston is honored to assist Diane’s family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.brainardhelke.com.