Diane (Bergeson) Noennig

Diane (Bergeson) Noennig passed away on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, at the Billings Clinic.

Diane was born on March 14, 1942, in Great Falls, to Jules "Bergie" and Gunhild (Goodie) Bergeson. Shortly after, the family moved to McCook, Neb., where her adored baby brother Bob was born. The next move was to Billings in 1952. Diane graduated from Billings Senior High in 1960. She treasured her classmates and was instrumental in organizing numerous class reunions up until her death. To the special group of high school friends fondly known as "The Crew" (you know who you are), you will always be her Sunshine!

Diane married the love of her life, Dan Noennig, on April 16, 1962. They had two daughters. Shellie was born in 1962 and Tracy in 1966. Diane had a very esteemed 35-year career with the federal government. She retired in 2001 at the age of 59. The success she had in her career was commendable, yet did not hold a candle to the devotion she had to her number one job in her life, which was to be the best wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend she could possibly be.

Diane was an avid golf widow, loved Elvis, reading and travel, but was happiest when entertaining family and friends. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 40. She battled this disease with the utmost strength and determination. She was our "little trooper" and our hero. She trooped until the very end, rarely letting the awful disease get in the way of doing what she loved.

Diane was preceded in death by her mother, father and brother; Dan's parents, Herb and Edna Noennig; and nephew Jeff Noennig. She is survived by Dan, her husband of 54 years, who, in exchange for all those rounds of golf, provided her with a steady stream of humor and took amazing care of her; her daughters, Shellie (Rick) Shaw and Tracy (Doug) Kimball; granddaughters Kasey and Sydney Kimball; and many beloved sisters/brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, at First United Methodist Church, 2800 Fourth Ave. N., in Billings. A celebration of life will follow at Yellowstone Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Diane to the Arthritis Foundation, online at arthritis.org, or 1355 Peachtree St. N.E., Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30309.