Diana L. Gertz, 38, of Niceville, died Sunday at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Mich.
Currently living at Eglin Air Force Base, she was a former resident of Farmington Hills, Mich.
Born March 16, 1961, in Livonia, Mich., she was the daughter of Durward Leeper. On March 16, 1985, at All Faiths Chapel in Traverse City, she married Richard B. Gertz.
Diana lost her nine-month battle with cancer. As in everything she did in life, Diana battled the disease wit all her strength.
A 1978 graduate of Perrysburg High School, she earned an appointment at the Air Force Academy. She graduated with honors in 1983 with a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan. Following graduation, she worked as a flight test engineer on the F-15 aircraft program.
She married in 1985 and supported Rick through his 14-year air force career.
Diana earned her master of science degree from Purdue University in 1988 and embarked on a career of raising four boys and building a beautiful family-her life’s accomplishment.
Diana was a daughter, sister, wife, mother and… most of all a friend to many. Loved by all, she will be missed.
In addition to her husband, Diana is survived by four sons, Nathaniel B., nine; Michael A., seven; Christopher R., five; and Alexander T., five. Survivors also include her father, Durward Leeper of Knoxville, Tenn.; two sisters, Dahlonega Leeper of Gainesville and Delta Leeper of East Lansing, Mich.; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 2 p.m. until the time of memorial services which will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Raynolds-Jonkoff Funeral Home in Traverse City
