Dianna Jacobitz
Dianna L. Jacobitz, 78, of Spencer, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at Marshfield Medical Center surrounded by the love of her family.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spencer with Rev. Ritchie Cole officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation at church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. The honor of pallbearer belongs to her granddaughters: Ashley Kuechenmeister, Bailey Dieringer, Olivia Mrotek, and Elena Mrotek.
Dianna “Dini” Lynn Mellenthin was born on June 30, 1948, in Marshfield, the daughter of Kenneth and Lois (Freeman) Mellenthin. She was a graduate of Spencer High School. On July 16, 1966, she was united to the love of her life, Warren Frank Jacobitz, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spencer. Together, they celebrated 60 years of marriage.
From the very beginning of their marriage, Dini embraced the courage and sacrifice of being a Navy wife. Her beloved husband, Frank, was able to come home on leave for their wedding during the Vietnam War, and together they began a life shaped by love, devotion, and service. Dini took each move from coast to coast in stride, grateful to be wherever the love of her life was stationed. When Frank was sent overseas, she returned home to Spencer to give birth to their first child, facing that tender and difficult time with remarkable strength. Her quiet courage, steadfast devotion, and deep love for her family were admired by all who knew her.
Over the years, Dini embraced many hobbies that brought joy to her family and friends, including floral arranging, painting, sewing, and cake decorating. Throughout the 1970s and ’80s, she lovingly created cakes for countless birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, retirements, and showers. Her greatest passion, however, was gardening. Dini never met a plant she couldn’t nurture or a weed she couldn’t pull, and the only limit she encountered when shopping at a greenhouse was the amount of room in her vehicle. Her caring spirit flourished far beyond her flowerbeds. One of her proudest accomplishments was having her gardens featured on a formal tour by Master Gardeners.
Above all, Dini treasured the time she spent with her granddaughters and greatgranddaughters, sharing with them her creativity and love of the outdoors. She was also a well-known “softie” for cats and dogs alike, and she will be deeply missed by her beloved cavapoo, Ginger.
Dini was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spencer. She found great joy in supporting her family and giving her time to the organizations that mattered to them. For a time, she was an active member of the Spencer VFW Women’s Auxiliary, and she enthusiastically supported the Spencer High School Band Boosters. Through every role she took on, Dini brought her generous spirit, dedication, and wholehearted love for her family and community.
Those who will cherish her memory include her husband, Warren Frank Jacobitz; her daughters, Vickie (Erik) Mrotek of Wausau and Valerie (Chad) Schubert of Spencer; her son, Chris Jacobitz of Rudolph; her granddaughters, Ashley (Casey) Kuechenmeister of Chili, Bailey (Ryan) Dieringer of Marshfield, Olivia Mrotek of Milwaukee, and Elena Mrotek of Milwaukee; her great-granddaughters, Berkley and Lainey; and her siblings, Becky (Jim) Murphy of Baraboo, Ron (Rebecca) Mellenthin of Florida, Julie (Bill) Ausbourne of Stratford, and Debra (Neil) Wakershauser of Portage; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Dini was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Lois Mellenthin, and her brother, Dennis (Karen) Mellenthin.
Dini’s arrangements have been entrusted to Life Tributes Funeral Home, Spencer. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit lifetributesfuneralhome.com.
