Menomonee Falls, WI – On September 27, 1947, Diane Olkwitz entered the world, destined for a life that would be cut tragically short. Diane was a bright 19-year-old woman hailing from this quiet Wisconsin town, known for its picturesque landscapes and close-knit community. Little did anyone know that November 3, 1966, would mark the day when Diane’s life would be brutally taken from her, leaving behind a legacy of questions and heartache.
A Bright Young Woman’s Promising Life
Diane Olkwitz was a hardworking young woman. She worked as a secretary at Kenworth Manufacturing Company, a metal stamping plant, where she would clock in every day with dedication and a bright smile. Additionally, she held a part-time job as a hostess at the Dutchland Dairy restaurant. Despite her busy schedule, she managed to juggle her responsibilities with grace.
On that fateful November day, Diane began her routine as always, arriving at the plant at 8 AM. The factory workers’ shifts ended at 3:30 PM, but Diane’s workday typically extended an hour later. During that hour, she was responsible for answering phone calls and accepting late deliveries, a task she took on diligently.
A Routine Workday Turned Tragic
However, this particular day would be different. Diane Olkwitz failed to show up to pick up her best friend, Diane Zimmer, a deviation from her usual punctuality. Concerned and confused, Diane Zimmer, accompanied by her brother and Diane’s supervisor, decided to investigate. What they found was a scene of unimaginable horror.
Diane Olkwitz was discovered, lying lifeless and face down in a pool of her own blood, only 20 feet from the factory door. She had been brutally attacked, having suffered a staggering 106 stab wounds to her chest, neck, and head, inflicted with a knife. Among these wounds, approximately 30 were concentrated on her head and face, while another 35 formed rows down the sides of her back. Her cause of death was determined to be massive hemorrhaging, which left no doubt that she had endured a horrific and painful ordeal. Her nose was broken, and she bore defensive wounds on her arms and hands, indicative of a valiant struggle.
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The Police Investigation Begins
The police investigation that followed revealed the absence of forced entry. This detail suggested that the assailant may have been familiar with the layout of the plant and Diane’s schedule. The nature of the attack also hinted at a personal vendetta, as the ferocity and number of stab wounds indicated a deep-seated rage. As a result, the prime suspect in the case was initially Diane’s employer’s son. However, he had a solid alibi, leaving investigators perplexed and the case unsolved.
A Haunting Reminder of Unsolved Crimes
The passing of 56 years has failed to yield any closure for Diane Olkwitz’s grieving family and the Menomonee Falls community. The memory of this young woman remains alive in the hearts of those who knew her, and the unresolved mystery continues to haunt those touched by her story.
Diane Olkwitz’s life was tragically cut short at the tender age of 19, but her legacy lives on, reminding us of the enduring pain of unsolved crimes. Her story serves as a poignant reminder that justice can be elusive, leaving families and communities forever searching for answers.
