Diane Bistram

Diane Janet Bistram, age 75, of Grantsburg, WI, passed away Monday, May 30, 2016. Diane was born in Milwaukee, WI, on July 7, 1940, a daughter of the late Roman and Ruth (Garlie) Nowak. She was a 1958 graduate of Webster High School. On April 25, 1959, Diane was united in marriage with Kenneth Allen “Ken” Bistram at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Webster. They lived in Saint Paul, MN, and Circle Pines, MN, and then in 1966, they moved to Grantsburg, Ken’s hometown. Diane and Ken also had a campsite on the Clam Flowage for 25 years, and most recently had a campsite on the Yellow River in Danbury. From 1973 to 1985, Diane worked at Cross’ IGA, and from 1985 to 2003, she was employed in the Medical Records Dept. at Burnett Medical Center. Diane was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Grantsburg, WI. She was a member of the Women’s Club, sang in the church choir, and taught CCD Classes for many years. Diane was a fun-loving person with a contagious smile and laugh. She loved to crochet, and made afghans for all her grandchildren as they graduated high school, and infants got one as they arrived. She also enjoyed fishing, and watching sunsets. She especially loved spending time with family, and watching the grandkids. She loved jig saw puzzles and playing games. It didn't matter if it was 500, cribbage, dice or Candy Land. She was happiest when her house was full of people. Preceding her in death are her parents, Roman and Ruth Nowak; her husband, Ken, on August 21, 2015; a brother-in-law, Milton Aronson; sister-in-law, Faye Nowak; and sister-in-law, Beatrice Bistram, in infancy. Diane is survived by her five children: Ken (Penny) Bistram, Jr., Shari (Scott) Harter, David Bistram, Chuck (Pam) Bistram, and Brian(Beth) Bistram; ten grandchildren: Aaron and Adam (Kayla) Bistram; Tanya (Paul) Carlson and Tavia Harter; Josh Bistram; Brad, Brett, and Matthew Bistram; and Brent Braunschweig and Britteny Bistram; and six great-grandchildren: Kylie, Macy, Haley, Zachary, Grady, and Arianna. She is also survived by a brother, Robert Nowak; a sister, Ruth Ann (Russell) Peterson; sister-in-law, Eleanore Aronson; brothers-in-law: Art (Pauline) Bistram, Jerry Bistram (Ann), and Merlin Bistram; as well as many nieces and nephews and other relatives. Relatives and friends may call between 5:00 and 8:00pm, Thursday, June 2, 2016, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Grantsburg. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am (visitation 10:00 to 11:00am), Friday, June 3rd, at the church with Father Shanthi Mandapati officiating. The Cantor will be Kathy Tweet who will also provide the music. A fellowship luncheon will follow the service. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Grantsburg, WI.