Diana Huibregtse Obituary

Diana (Brown) Huibregtse

January 29, 1956 - July 5, 2025

FITCHBURG - Diana (Brown) Huibregtse, age 69, of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, from metastatic breast cancer on July 5, 2025. Di was born in Oconomowoc, Wis., on January 29, 1956, to Douglas "Bart" and Marilyn Brown. She was the middle child between Debra and Scott. She graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1974 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During college, she was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society. In 1978, she graduated from the UW School of Business with degrees in Marketing and Administrative Management. She met Bruce at the end of her freshman year, and they were married in 1982. Together, they have three daughters and five grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

Di started her business career working in software for SDI, Honeywell, and COBE Corporation, before moving to healthcare administration at University of Wisconsin Hospital. During her 30-plus years there, she helped lead her team with integrity, compassion and fun. After retiring as the Director of Access Services, she continued to enjoy volunteering, hiking, visiting farmers markets, participating in a book club, traveling, and spending time with family in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Colorado.

Di lived by the motto, find what needs to be done and do it! Over the years, she volunteered countless hours for many organizations. She visited seniors through Independent Living, helped at her daughters' schools, served as a Girl Scout leader, delivered food for Meals on Wheels, and stocked diapers from The Village Diaper Bank at Lussier Community Education Center's pantry, to name a few.

For many years, she was an active member at Wellspring (Divine Savior) United Methodist Church. There she taught Sunday school, chaired numerous committees and led outreach to the greater community.

She was very involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County. First, she became a Big Sister to Bruce's existing Little Brother, Eric. Later, with their daughters, they were matched as a family to Elteress. Finally, Di and Bruce were matched with their Little Brother, James. In 2022, they were recognized as the organization's Big Couple of the Year. In addition, Di contributed to the greater organization by serving on committees and stepping in to help the staff wherever she could.

Most recently, Di served on the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Board. An ardent supporter of the WCO's education programs, Di championed the Super Strings mentoring program, helping the WCO form partnerships with Big Brothers Big Sisters and other community organizations. She served on the Executive Committee as Vice Chair for the past two years. Always quick to help, she did many tasks behind the scenes to ensure the WCO fulfilled its mission.

Di strived to live authentically and to connect with people. She cherished the friendships she made in all phases of life. Her impact on others over her lifetime is immeasurable and will live on. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce Huibregtse; three daughters, Jamie (Craig) Keisler, Brooke (Shaw) Ketels, and Morgan Huibregtse; five beloved grandchildren, Nolan Keisler, Lettie Keisler, Miles Keisler, Hugo Ketels, and Olive Ketels; two siblings, Debra Krieger and Scott (Jenny) Brown; mother, Marilyn Brown; and many other dear relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Douglas "Bart" Brown.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711, from 2 until 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025. A memorial service will be held for Di at HOLY WISDOM MONASTERY, 4200 County Road M, Middleton, WI 53562, on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 3 p.m. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVESTREAM may visit Di's obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of service and click on Watch Now in the Webcast section. There will be a second visitation at the monastery from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday.

Di was a strong supporter of funding research for improved metastatic breast cancer treatment. Please consider giving in memory of Diana Huibregtse to the More for Stage IV Fund # 112900083 through the UW Foundation, which supports metastatic breast cancer research at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. The fund can be found at www.tinyurl.com/moreforstageiv.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002