Diane Marie (Mereness) Rathsack

Diane Marie Rathsack, age 67, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 23, 2021 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Appleton, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 15, 1954 to the late Russell L. and Joan Marie (Hendricks) Mereness in Kaukauna. On November 11, 1978 she married the love of her life, Edward C. Rathsack. Diane loved Wisconsin sports, the Brewers, the Packers, the Bucks as well as the College teams, she was either watching them on T.V. or listening to them on the radio. She also enjoyed baking and gardening, she was really good at both. She loved to dance, and said “ Kitchens were made for dancing.” Diane worked behind the scenes for the We Care Meals Program for the Easter and the Christmas meals, coordinating requests and the deliveries. Her greatest love was her family, she enjoyed shopping or having a cook out with the kids and grandkids, doing anything at all with her grandchildren, they were her pride and joy.  She was also very proud of her son Bruce, a Navy veteran. She will be greatly missed by her entire family, including her dog, Lucky.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Ed, her children; Anna Marie Rathsack, Sara (significant other Chad Baumgart) Rathsack and Bruce Edward Rathsack, grandchildren; Travis Genosky, Diamond Rathsackclow and Parker Van Lanen, siblings; Barbara Vanden Heuvel, Joseph (significant other Richard Scott) Mereness, Russell Mereness, John Mereness and Merri Bowser. Brothers and sisters in law; Natasha Rathsack, Alvin (Sharon) Rathsack, Terry (Robin) Rathsack, Paul G (Robin) Rathsack and Bernie Rathsack. She is further survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Diane is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert Mereness, brothers in law, Bruce Rathsack, John “Jack “ Vanden Heuvel, James Rathsack, sister in law, Kim Rathsack, mother and father in law, Alvin and Veda Rathsack and nephews, Christopher and Terry Hottenstein.

Family and friends may gather beginning at 1:00pm, Sunday, August, 29, 2021 at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N Richmond St, Appleton, until 4:00pm when a memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center Appleton ICU staff for the wonderful care given to Diane and her whole family.  They all truly have a great heart.

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