Diane Carol Mohwinkel

Jan 7, 1942 -

Apr 12, 2024

Diane Mohwinkel of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on April 12, 2024. After a determined final effort, she crossed the finish line of her last race in a time of 82 years and 94 days. It was an amazing performance. She was a vibrant ray of light, inspiring people near and far. Always an active member of the Anchorage community, Diane was a beloved member of various reading and hiking groups, an avid bridge player and an enthusiastic athlete. Additionally, Diane was a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, an organization dedicated to celebrating, supporting and motivating women.

She never had an unkind or critical word to say about anyone and easily made friends wherever she went. Her kindness, generosity, zest for life and affection for glitter endeared her to many. Always stylish and classy, her sense of fashion grew bolder as she aged. A consummate hostess, a visit to the Mohwinkel household was always an amazing treat for the lucky attendees.

Diane was born on Jan. 7, 1942, in Moorhead, Minn., to Irvin and Caroline Larson. Diane attended St. Cloud State University and completed a degree in education. While completing her degree, she met her future husband, Arden "Mo" Mohwinkel, and tutored him successfully to his graduation. Mo and Diane were married in 1963 and moved to Alaska in 1968. Diane worked for the Anchorage School District for many years as a reading specialist and was a finalist for Alaska Teacher of the Year in 1992. She completed her master's degree and raised two daughters before retiring in 1998.

At age 60, after completing the Gold Nugget Triathlon for the first time, she discovered an unrealized athletic ability and reinvented herself as a dedicated athlete. Diane developed into a world-class age-group triathlete, qualifying for and competing in many national and world championships. Her efforts culminated in a world age-group championship at the World Triathlon Championships in Montreal, Canada, in 2022. Throughout this 22-year timeframe, she cherished her fellow athletes, demonstrated an enthusiasm for competing and, through the use of her favorite word "believe," reminded many that it's never too late and anything is possible.

Diane is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Claudine and Kayne Weiler, and Sheryl Mohwinkel-Fleming and Bill Fleming; grandchildren, Carson, Erica and Evan Weiler; and sisters, Karen Larson and Manna Witthans. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Arden Mohwinkel.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, at 6 p.m., in the Atrium at the Anchorage Museum.