Diane Strittmater

Our beloved Diane M. Strittmater passed away peacefully at home on May 21, 2016. She was born September 13, 1938, in La Crosse to Michael and Marion (Zinzer) Heintz. She grew up on the north side of La Crosse and is fondly remembered by her sister Shirley as a “little stinker!” She attended St. John’s Catholic School and later graduated from Aquinas High School in 1957.
Diane married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life Harry Strittmater on September 14, 1957. Diane and Harry shared a love that only grew more amazing with time. This was never more evident than when watching Harry’s unwavering devotion as he lovingly cared for Diane throughout her courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His gentle care and loving hands can be credited for how well she fared through the disease until the end.
Diane always loved children and babies. Together she and Harry raised four children whom she loved with all her heart. Their family grew to include thirteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They will treasure the memory of her beautiful smile, her generosity and her unconditional love. Diane spoiled and doted on her family and was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother. Diane’s beauty on the outside paled greatly in comparison to her beauty on the inside.
Diane had a zest for life, laughter and love. She truly lived life to the fullest. Her family and friends fondly remember with laughter Diane’s sense of humor, especially her renditions of her favorite comedian Lucille Ball. She enjoyed watching “I Love Lucy” with her children and grandchildren and would often reenact “Vita Vita Vegemin” and many other classic Lucy moments.
She had many very dear friends and enjoyed sharing memorable adventures with “The Buds.” Diane and Harry enjoyed wonderful vacations with family throughout the years. Diane loved being with family and friends, bowling, canasta, bridge club, coffee clutch and shopping. She also loved dancing and singing karaoke. We will never forget her crowd pleasing renditions of “Copa Cabana” and “Piano Man.”
Diane worked at the Telephone Company for a time. Later she helped out in the family’s grocery stores Expressway Foods, Smale’s Grocery, Strittmater’s Super Value and Smale’s Swiss Chateau. Her true career and calling though was being a wife and a mother. She was an excellent cook and baker and thankfully handed down her “a little of this and a little of that” recipes to her children. Sundays at the Strittmater home always meant kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a delicious meal, summers around the pool, watching Packer games and many birthday cakes!
Diane is survived by her amazing husband, Harry; her children, Kathy (Dale) Tweten, Sandy Strittmater, Scott (Courtney) Strittmater, Lori (Matt) Jahr; her grandchildren, Sarah (Rob) Rank, Kim, Mike, Jeff (Angie), Bryan, Tori and Jordan Strittmater, Ashley and Tony Tweten, Carsten, Sydney and Isabella Jahr; her great-grandchildren, Mikala, Olivia and Henry Strittmater, Andrew, Elise and Jameson Rank and Jace Harris; sisters, Maxine Kane and Shirley Hill; brothers-in-law, Jerry, Wayne (Kathy), Larry (Patti), Glenn (Jane), Dale (Ellah) and Ron Strittmater; sisters-in-law, Darlene (Larry) Nelson, Debbie (Jeff) Severson as well as many nieces, nephews and Gabby, her faithful German shepherd. She will be so greatly missed by all!
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Florian Heintz; sisters, Natalie Iverson and Vivian Hill and grandson, Cody Strittmater.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the following for their kindness, care and compassion: Leslie Sheld, Dr. Loepfe, Dr. Teske, Mayo Hospice and Onalaska Care Center.
Memorials honoring Diane’s memory to support research in the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease are preferred. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. The family also invites you to join Team Diane in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on September 17, 2016.
A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 24th, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. So., La Crosse, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Diane’s life will be celebrated further at a reception following the gathering at the Moose Lodge, 1932 Ward Ave., La Crosse. Private family committal will take place in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park at a later date.