Diane Mike

Diane Mike (née Christiansen) was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on July 18, 2026, just three days after celebrating her 76th birthday. Born on July 15, 1950, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Diane was the cherished daughter of Lucille and her husband Wayne Bartz.

Diane entered the world with a surprise. She was born just twenty minutes before her twin brother, Dennis Christiansen, leaving their unsuspecting parents astonished to discover they had welcomed twins. Diane never let Dennis forget that she was the older sibling, a distinction she wore with pride and humor throughout their lives. Their bond as twins was one of unwavering love, laughter, and lifelong friendship.

Raised on Milwaukee’s south side, Diane graduated from Pulaski High School before beginning her career at Allen-Bradley, now Rockwell Automation. It was there, in 1980, that she met the love of her life, Wayne Mike. Diane often joked that she noticed Wayne long before he noticed her, but once their paths truly crossed, they were inseparable. Together they built a beautiful life filled with unwavering devotion, adventure, laughter, and countless treasured memories. They were true partners in every sense of the word and enjoyed splitting their time in recent years between their homes in Wisconsin and Arizona.

Although Diane and Wayne did not have children of their own, they poured their love into their family, especially Diane’s treasured nieces—Lori, Amy, Carey, and Elizabeth, the daughters of her twin brother, Dennis. She delighted in celebrating their milestones, sharing in their joys, and being an ever-present source of love, encouragement, and fun.

A lifelong animal lover, Diane and Wayne opened their hearts and home to many beloved dogs through the years. Stroh, Zeke, and Zoe were cherished members of the family and brought immeasurable joy to their lives.

Diane and Wayne also shared a passion for cars and the racing community. Together they became well-known and well-loved among race car enthusiasts, where they formed lasting friendships and created unforgettable memories. Whether attending races, adding another treasured vehicle to their collection, or simply enjoying the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts, they embraced every opportunity to celebrate life together.

When they weren’t at the track, Diane and Wayne loved gathering with family and friends, whether at home or out enjoying the community. If there was good music, good food, and plenty of laughter, Diane was in her element. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, appreciated, and included.

After retiring from their professional careers, Diane and Wayne launched Grampa Pete’s, a mobile Vienna beef Chicago style hot dog cart. Through this, they expanded their network of friends they called family.

Those who knew Diane often described her with a simple but fitting phrase: “…such a cool lady…” Her kindness came naturally. Her sense of humor was effortless. Her authenticity made everyone around her feel at ease. Diane had a rare ability to make friends wherever she went, and nearly everyone who met her walked away loving her.

Diane was preceded in death by her father Howard Christiansen, and her beloved mom, Lucille Bartz. We find comfort in knowing that as Diane entered eternity, she was reunited with her mother and immediately wrapped in the loving arms of Jesus Christ.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her devoted husband and best friend, Wayne Mike; her beloved twin brother, Dennis Christiansen (Penny Willms); her dad, Wayne Bartz; her brother-in-law Wally (Lynn) Mike and their children: Jeff (Christina) Mike and Christine (Alan) Stuller; and her nieces, Lori Schwager, Amy (Jason) Rowell, Carey DeWitt, and Elizabeth Christiansen (Justin Porter) and their children: Josh Christiansen (Amber Buczak), Jack Rowell (Nicki Leon), Sam Schwager, Max Schwager, Joe Schwager, Liam DeWitt, Cullen DeWitt, Silas DeWitt, Zoe Porter, and Ben Porter. Diane was gifted an honorary sister from her brother’s first marriage, as Karen (John) Wawrzonkowski became a lifelong friend. Diane also leaves behind countless extended family members; many dear friends; and a community of people whose lives were brighter because of her impact.

While our hearts are broken by her passing, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Christ. Diane’s legacy is one of unconditional love, loyalty, laughter, generosity, and joy. She will be deeply missed every day, but those who loved her hold fast to the hope that this is not goodbye—it is simply “until we meet again.” We look forward to the day when the Lord calls us home and we are reunited with Diane in His glorious presence.