Diane Gallegos

Diane Hirschinger Gallegos lost her battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at her home in the presence of her beloved family. Her death was preceded by a joyous Easter with her children and grandchildren. Diane was born in West Allis, Wisconsin on March 9, 1951 to Louis and Ruth Hirschinger. Diane received a degree from the University of Wisconsin, Lacrosse and in 1981, Diane completed a Master’s in Business degree from the University of Northern Colorado. Highlights of her childhood were the times she spent at Oconomowoc Lake, family vacations to Florida, and working at the family restaurant Tanner- Paul. Her parents were the founders of the famous mid-western Friday night fish fry.

In 1974, Diane headed for Vail, Colorado, and never returned to her native Wisconsin. She met Glen Gallegos and they were married in 1975 and have been married for over 46 years. Diane immediately became a member of her new family and was loved by Glen’s mother, Rose, and all the brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles. They were blessed by four children; Shannon, Brendon, Jaron, and Erin. Diane, being a recreation major became the first full-time recreation director for Vail and the entire upper valley. Many of the programs, fields, and facilities in the new resort community of Vail were given their start through Diane’s leadership. In addition to recreation, Diane was self-employed in the financial market business for over 20 years and was also the author of two books. “Through the Eyes of the Children”, is a field guide that became Colorado book of the year in 1998 and is used by many grade students throughout the Western slope in their study of Colorado History. Diane’s hobbies were photography, design, and the construction of beautiful homes. Through her photography, she has chronicled The Gallegos family through her photographs. Diane planned and built our last three homes; Two in Vail and one in Grand Junction. Anything having to do with water was also a passion. With her brother Dean, they have dived all over the world. If there were dolphins to swim with, sharks to dive with, or exotic waters to visit, Diane has been there. Not being able to have the lakes of Wisconsin available to her, Lake Powell became her destination of choice.

Perhaps, Diane’s greatest legacy was in her dedication, love, and support for her family.

Diane is survived by her husband Glen, Sons; Shannon (Gabby) grandchildren; Santiago 12, and Gia 9, Brendon (Amber) Jaron (Maggie) grandchildren; McKinley 5 and Delaney 3, daughter Erin, and brother Dean. Diane was preceded in death by her parents and sister.

The family is planning a celebration of Diane’s life at 2:00 pm on May 15th at her home in Grand Junction.

Diane was in the care of the highly trained staff of HopeWest over the past few weeks. Please consider making a charitable contribution to them.