Diane Eileen Brietkrenz

Diane Eileen Brietkrenz, 71, of Huntington, passed away on July 11, 2026 surrounded by her family. The daughter of the late Gilbert and Janet (nee Schlechter) Squire, Diane was born on July 2, 1955, and grew up in Lagrange Twp. She graduated with the Keystone High School Class of 1973. Diane moved to Huntington in 1983 when she and Jerry bought the family farm where they had their hog raising operation.

Diane worked as an LPN for Allen Memorial Hospital. She then served as a Paraprofessional for the Black River and Buckeye school districts and then at the Medina County Career Center. Most recently she worked in the bakery at the Village Market in Wellington. Diane retired in 2016 to be a more formative part of her grandchildren’s lives.

A faithful member of the United Church of Huntington, Diane sang in the church choir and served on numerous committees. She was an involved 4-H advisor, a member of the Black River Athletic boosters and volunteered with the Spencer Youth Sports program. Diane was a Blue Star Mother and a Homefront Mom, proudly supporting military families.

An experience Diane always cherished was a mission trip to Haiti in her twenties. She enjoyed listening to and playing music as well as gardening but her greatest joy in life was being a mother and a grandmother.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, Jerry; children, Joanne (Christopher) Phillips, of Wellington, Jonathan (Alyssa) Brietkrenz, of Spencer and Adam (Katelyn) Brietkrenz, of Litchfield; grandchildren, Aiden, Carygan, Jayce, Amy, Clayton, and Joslyn; siblings, Jay (Michele) Squire and Steve Squire; and her cousin and best friend, Faith Jagger. In addition to her parents, Diane was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Tamatha Squire.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 21 from 2-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. at the United Church of Huntington, 26677 State Route 58, where funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 22 at noon. Per Diane’s wishes she will be cremated with a private interment to follow at a later date. Donations in Diane’s memory may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, at www.stjude.org. Fond memories and condolences can be shared at: www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.