Diane Janet (Lecaroz) Benning, 84, passed away peacefully on August 11 th , 2026. She was born, the only girl, to George and Marjorie Lecaroz, on December 20, 1941 in Malden, Massachusetts. Diane, most recently, was residing with her daughter in Porterfield, WI and then in assisted living in Marinette, WI. Diane was a wife, mother, Nana, aunt, friend and so much more. She will be greatly missed, particularly for her love of banter, spirit of fun, her crafty ideas and her cribbage skills.
Diane had many career roles in her lifetime, including, but not limited to, bus driver, custodial engineer, circuit board technician and her work at St. Vincent de Paul in Juneau, Alaska. But most importantly, was her care of her family, particularly how she always took the time to remember and honor birthdays and holidays with a card.
Diane, Di to those who knew her best, was married to Clarence (Bud) Benning, on August 6 th , 1960 in Malden, Massachusetts. They had an adventurous life together living on the East Coast; where they met when Bud was in the Navy; Wisconsin, Alaska and back again. Diane loved Alaska, though not at first, as it was Bud’s dream, but she ended up living there for over 20 years. One year on their anniversary, Bud gifted Diane with an “anchor buddy” for all their fishing adventures, to keep her hands free so she could reel in the big halibut. Bud passed away in Alaska in 2016.
Diane and Bud have left a legacy of four wonderful children, William (Bill), Janet, Wendy, and Andrew (Andy). Diane is survived by Bill (Katie), Janet (Stan) Kasler, in Wisconsin, and Andy (Suzie) of Mississippi, her brother Al (Jeanette), David (Barbara) and George (PK). Diane was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, her daughter Wendy, her brother Russell, and her parents. She is survived by a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren, who will remember their Nana best each in their own way, but many will miss her fluffer-nutter sandwiches most.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate Staff of the Cottages in Marinette, WI, where Diane resided for the last several months and also all of those who provided kindhearted care in her final days at the Aurora Bay Area Medical Center, also in Marinette, WI
