Joel Karnick
Diane Marie Smart age 74, of Glidden, died peacefully on Saturday December 14, 2024 at Marshfield Medical
Center in Marshield. She was born April 12, 1950 in Milwaukee, the daughter of John and Emily
(Piorkowski) Polczinski. Her early life and schooling were in Mercer. In 1970 she married Darold
“Gene” Smart in Butternut and together they had their son Dennis. Diane obtained her Bachlors
degree in nursing and worked many years in the Cardiac Cath Lab in Burlington. Later she and
Gene moved to Glidden, and she worked at Flambeau Hospital before retiring. Diane enjoyed
cake decorating, calligraphy, crocheting, bowling, reading, and spending time with her family
and many close friends.
She is survived by her husband Gene Smart of Glidden, son Dennis (Jim Baum) Smart of
Kenosha, her siblings; Jerry (Gerri) Polczinski of Kenosha, Jo Ann (Pete) Lezeau of San Tan
Valley, AZ, Danny Polczinski of Iron County, and by other relatives and friends. She was
preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Dennis and John Polczinski and sister-in-law
Debra Polczinski.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Birch Street Funeral Service is assisting the family.
