Family of Diane Beckley Milner hosts surprise 70th birthday party at the Wisconsin Club

The Mitchell Room at the Wisconsin Club, located at 900 West Wisconsin Avenue, was abuzz Saturday April 19, 2025 as about 100 friends and colleges of Diane’s Beckley Milner gathered to celebrate her milestone 70th birthday. A surprise event commissioned and coordinated by her husband, Jim Milner, implemented by Una VanDuvall with Jim standing proudly by Diane’s side throughout the evening sharing in the joy of this remarkable moment. Together the attendees embraced this pink, green and gold theme “Engaging Communities,” special moments were captured by the professional photography team lead by Yvonne Kemp.

Guests were entertained by Doc B., DJ and talk show host for 101.7 F.M. Radio The Truth and treated to live performances by the band Mahogany Soul. Attendees tested their luck in a series of games and prize drawings before enjoying a curated selection of culinary offerings and refreshments from the bar.

Reflecting Diane’s deep ties to the city of Milwaukee, the guest list included representatives from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., leaders of Milwaukee Community Based Organizations, staff members of the Alzheimer‘s Association, and committee members of the newly formed Health Equity Coalition.

The evening was made special with an opening prayer by Rev. Dr. Joy L. Gallmon, Sr. Pastor, St. Mark AME Church. In addition, friends and clergy from Diane’s home church St. Matthew CME, as a collective lent their support to the celebration. Diane’s family including her four sons, four of her thirteen grandchildren, two brothers, one sister, and their spouses, filled the room with warmth and gratitude, honoring her seven decades of love, leadership, and community spirit.