Diane M. Phelps

Diane Phelps-Cieslik, 73, of Hartland, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, in Hartland.

Diane was born on March 6, 1952, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Donald and Bernice Soquet. She grew up in Green Bay, graduated from East De Pere High School, and later earned an associate’s degree from Katharine Gibbs College. She discovered a lifelong love of horses while riding with her family, especially her father. Horses would remain one of her greatest joys throughout her life.

Diane spent more than three decades with Jazzercise, a career that matched her energy, confidence, and passion for helping others succeed. She was a Jazzercise instructor and franchise owner for 32 years and later served as District Manager for Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota for 22 years, supporting and overseeing nearly 250 franchisees. Diane had a gift for connecting with people and was known for her strong leadership, mentoring, and speaking skills.

After retiring in 2011, Diane devoted her time to volunteering at LifeStriders, a nonprofit providing therapeutic, nature-based services for individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive special needs. She volunteered with the therapeutic horseback riding program, mentoring volunteers, teaching classes, and helping train and exercise horses. In 2016, she became a certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor through PATH, Inc. Diane also served on the LifeStriders Board of Directors and created a training program to help volunteers feel confident, safe, and supported. Later in life, she earned her motorcycle license and could often be seen riding her yellow Honda Rebel to LifeStriders, a perfect reflection of her independence, confidence, and love of adventure. In recognition of her dedication, she was honored as LifeStriders Volunteer of the Year in 2015.

Health, fitness, and living well were always important to Diane. She met her husband, John, at Al’s Run & Walk, enjoyed scuba diving with her son Ian, and cherished time spent with her family. She was known for her infectious laugh, often ending in tears, and for the warmth and joy she brought into every room.

Diane is survived by her husband, John; her sister, Julie; her sons, Ian and Nick; and her grandchildren, Finnley, Luca, Shelby, Rory, Jersey, and Tripp.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to LifeStriders in Diane’s memory, in support of the therapeutic horseback riding program she loved so deeply.

We thank everyone who shared love, support, and kindness during this time. In particular, we are deeply grateful to the staff at Heritage Lake Country Memory Care Facility for the love and care they provided to Diane over the past three years. Diane felt it, and so did we.