Diane (Gaines) Wacker
August 1, 1938 – March 6, 2025

Diane (Roth) (Gaines) Wacker, 86, of Lincoln, NE passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Diane was born on August 1, 1938, in Lincoln, NE to Natalie and Henry Roth.  She spent the first years of her life in Lincoln’s South Bottoms and then moved to a farm outside of Ashland upon her mother’s marriage to her beloved stepfather, Allen Gillespie.  Diane graduated from Ashland High School in 1956, where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen.

In 1959, she married fellow Ashland High School graduate Frank Gaines, and they relocated to Lincoln, NE to raise their family.  She was blessed with 3 wonderful children, 6 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

Diane worked a variety of jobs including Lincoln Telephone and Bankers Life, prior to becoming a full-time homemaker.  Later, she returned to work outside the home at Olson Construction, Ben Simons, Hospe’s Music, The Legionnaire Club/Legion Post, and Lincoln Northeast High School.  She was also an active member of PEO Chapter GJ and a frequent JDRF event volunteer.

She married Dan Wacker on April 27, 2002, and they enjoyed 16 years together prior to Dan’s death in 2018.

Diane is most remembered for her active spirit and quick wit. Known as “Red” to many due to the color of her hair, she was never known to slow down. She spent many years invested in the lives of her children; shuttling them to practices, rehearsals, concerts, games, and tournaments across every corner of the state. As her children aged, her dedication shifted to maintaining a lifelong loyalty to the Tastee’s Inn and Out Original Sandwiches, rotating her impressive collection of holiday décor for every occasion, and doting on generations of adored miniature schnauzers.

She will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, loyal friend, chocolate milk connoisseur and ray of sunshine. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Diane is survived by her children, Scott (Patrice) Gaines of Lincoln, NE, Phil (Ann) Gaines of Overland Park, KS, and Mary (Steve) Mayfield of Wahoo, NE; grandchildren, Brady (Bri) Gaines, Karli (Derek) Hoffman, Ryan (Arica) Gaines, Allison (Kevin) Curry, Hana Mayfield, and Riley Mayfield; 7 great grandchildren; and cherished niece, Marlene Love.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dan; and siblings, Marian Andrewjeski, Delores Flint, and Dennis Roth.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 5 PM to 8 PM, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, March 14, 2025, at Wyuka Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln.

Memorials are suggested to Saunders County Lost Pets HERE or The Floyd Rogers Diabetic Foundation (summer camp for youth living with diabetes). HERE.