Diane Marie Rooney

Diane Marie Rooney, 63, of Appleton, WI, peacefully passed away after a brief illness on Monday, March 9, 2026 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton.  She was born on February 7, 1963, in Racine, WI and lived with her parents in Appleton, WI for the majority of her life. She attended schools in Racine, Plymouth and Brillion.  

Diane had a magnetic personality. She was loved by everyone she met and was always the center of attention and loved to be spoiled. Her favorite things were spending time with family, playing games, listening to music and was always up for dancing to Elvis songs (even from her wheelchair). Anyone who knew Diane, knew that she loved everything red, white and blue. She loved to dress up in American colors and enjoyed it when others did as well. 

Her very full life included travel to Florida, New York State, Iowa, and trips to Mexico and Canada.  She enjoyed spending time at the cabin, going on pontoon rides, playing bingo, and was quick to remind her siblings that she was the oldest. (She was so proud of that)

Diane’s life was full of many health-related conditions and issues.  Through it all, she kept a sense of humor and loving nature. She was tough to the bone, and yet had a true and pure love for others. She had an extra special place in her heart for young children and babies, wanting to hold each niece and nephew and great niece and nephew. She was constantly making funny faces at them and they loved her for it.  

She is survived by her parents, Gary and Micki Rooney, siblings; Lynn Schad, Dan (Julie) Rooney, Steve (Susie) Rooney and Kim (Paul) Greenwood.  She is further survived by godson, Nick Rooney, along with 9 additional nieces and nephews, and 18 great nieces and nephews.  

She is preceded in death by her brother-in-law, John Schad, Grandparents; May and Joseph Rooney and Glen and Cloe Woodcock and many beloved aunts and uncles.

A funeral service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday March 13, 2026 at Valley Funeral Home; 2211 N Richmond Street in Appleton.  Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. until the time of service. Following the service, there will be a catered meal.  For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

In honor of Diane, the family will be wearing Red, White and Blue to the funeral and we welcome any visitors to do the same.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the care received in the Intensive Care Unit at Theda Care Regional Medical Center.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.