Diane Wencl Chmelik, 79, Owatonna

Diane Kay (Wencl) Chmelik passed away on April 12, 2026, at Prairie Cottages in Owatonna, surrounded by her loving family.

Diane was born on Aug. 7, 1946, in Owatonna to Edward and Ella (Ripka) Wagner. She attended St. Mary’s School and later graduated from Marion High School.

She married John Wencl on May 29, 1965, at Sacred Heart in Owatonna.

Diane stayed home to raise their four children before pursuing a career at Federated Insurance, where she worked for 28 years.

She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—family was the center of her life. Diane enjoyed cooking and canning for her family and helping her husband on the farm. She also volunteered for various organizations in her community. No one ever left the family home without a good meal.

Diane is survived by her children: Lori (Bob) Cole, Janice (Troy) Higgins, Cheryl (Jeff) Ptacek, and Ed (Melissa) Wencl; 10 grandchildren: Kristina, Katie, John, Angie, Sara, Alicia, Scott, Katlin, Neela, and Olivia; and 6 great-grandchildren: Ava, Adley, Allie, Carson, Bay, Gunner, and Baby Peterson on the way. She is also survived by her siblings: Maxine Schrom, Rod Wagner, and Ardis Vangen Hoff.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John L. Wencl; John Chmelik; her parents; and her brother, Jerome Wagner.

Friends may greet the family on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 9–11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. with Monsignor Cook presiding. A Catholic Daughters of the Americas rosary will be recited at 8:45 a.m. at the church.

Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Prairie Cottages and the caregivers of St. Croix Hospice for the kindness and compassionate care shown to Diane during her journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.

For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.