Longtime Bay Area Resident Diana Kaercher Dies at 77

Kaercher, a Montana native, spent over 45 years in Mill Valley after serving in the Peace Corps.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Diana (Diane) Loy Kaercher, a longtime resident of Mill Valley, California, passed away on January 26, 2026, at the age of 77. Born in Havre, Montana, in 1948, Kaercher was the oldest of six children. After graduating from Montana State University and serving in the Peace Corps in Liberia, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where she enjoyed a successful career in the banking and financial industry. In retirement, Kaercher pursued her love of travel, visiting destinations around the world.

Why it matters

Kaercher's life story reflects the experiences of many Montanans who left their home state to seek opportunities elsewhere, while still maintaining strong ties to their roots. Her adventurous spirit and commitment to community service also serve as an inspiration to others.

The details

Kaercher graduated from Havre High School and earned a degree in Home Economics from Montana State University. After her Peace Corps service, she moved to San Francisco, where she lived for over 45 years in the nearby community of Mill Valley. Kaercher enjoyed a successful career in the banking and financial industry, primarily evaluating the financial solvency of major real estate properties. In retirement, she embraced her love for travel, visiting destinations such as the summit of Kilimanjaro, across Africa, through the Alaskan tundra, and to China, Japan, and Europe.

  • Kaercher was born on October 15, 1948, in Havre, Montana.
  • She passed away on January 26, 2026, at the age of 77.
  • A memorial breakfast celebrating Kaercher's life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line in Havre.

The players

Diana (Diane) Loy Kaercher

A longtime resident of Mill Valley, California, who passed away at the age of 77. She was born in Havre, Montana, and was the oldest of six children.

Lloyd and Audrey (Langel) Kaercher

Diane Kaercher's parents.

Joyce (Kaercher) Slothower, Susan Kaercher, and Les Kaercher

Diane Kaercher's siblings, who preceded her in death.

Joan (Eric) Hendricks and Doug (Darla) Kaercher

Diane Kaercher's surviving siblings.

Therese Teske

Diane Kaercher's care companion, who eased her final journey with loving attention.

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What’s next

A memorial breakfast celebrating Diane's life will be held for family and friends at 9:00 am on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line in Havre.

The takeaway

Diane Kaercher's life story reflects the experiences of many Montanans who left their home state to seek opportunities elsewhere, while still maintaining strong ties to their roots. Her adventurous spirit and commitment to community service serve as an inspiration to others.