Diane Marie Kessler's Obituary
Diane Marie Kessler, 73, passed away with her family by her side on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Ascension All Saints in Racine.
Diane was born to the late Michael and Ann (nee Harinek) Smolka on April 11, 1948, in Racine. She worked in patient accounts at Wheaton Franciscan and Lincoln Lutheran. She also worked at Bank of Elmwood.
Diane had a passion for being outdoors, observing nature, and feeding all the birds that would come to her feeders. She had a wonderful gift to create beautiful oil paintings. Picking mushrooms, gardening, cooking, playing piano, and playing and watching tennis were things that gave Diane much enjoyment along with assisting at Modern Woodmen Life Insurance functions. Diane deeply loved her family and treasured every moment with them. Her grandchildren brought her such joy and she was extremely proud of them.
Diane will be deeply missed by her loving daughters: Dawn (James) Ivanoski and Ann Kessler; grandchildren: Devone Kessler, Lexie Kessler, Lauren Ivanoski, and Joshua Ivanoski; siblings: Kathy (James) Kaltenschnee, Michael J. (Mimi) Smolka, and Mary Jo Lipari; nieces and nephews: James Kaltenschnee, Robert (Amanda) Kaltenschnee, Sarah Smolka, Laura (Jared) Headrick, Lisa (Jason Atherton) Lipari, and Robert (Aubrey) Lipari; along with grand fur and feathered babies, other relatives, and friends.
A private family gathering in remembrance of Diane will be held. Memorials in Diane’s name may be directed to the Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus (8900 16th St, Mt. Pleasant, WI 53177).
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Durbin, Dr. Ansani, Dr. Stone, Dr. Hassan, and Dr. Paulick along with all other staff from Ascension All Saints for their loving care of Diane.
What’s your fondest memory of Diane?
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Share a story where Diane's kindness touched your heart.
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