Diana J. LaReau-Schwantes, 77, of Beaver Dam passed away on Monday, February 23, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family. Diana said she loved us, but she had to leave all of us now.
Diana was born the daughter of John W. and Agnes (Schroeder) Banes on May 26, 1937 in Beaver Dam. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. After graduating from high school, she was married to Armand LaReau Jr. Together they had four children: Dawn, Mark, Lisa and René. In 1993, Diana married Deryl S. Schwantes. Together they ran Schwantes Builders and Double D Poured Walls concrete company until their retirement.
Diana’s family and friends will all miss her sense of humor. She had a passion for cooking, baking, and sewing for everyone as well as growing her flowers. Diana loved the time she spent in the Colorado mountains and watching the wild animals of the area.
Diana is survived by her children: Dawn (Mark) Klein, Mark LaReau, Lisa (Richard Anderton) LaReau, and René LaReau; her grandchildren: Dayann LaReau, Justin and Jacques LaReau, and Nick (Cheri Rhode) Wolfgang. She is further survived by her step-children: Phil (Cindy) Schwantes, Steve (Deb) Schwantes and Mary (Dan) Milsten Potter as well as her step-grandchildren; her in-laws: Norma Banes, Joan and Mike Hansen and Dick (Marilyn DeMars) LaReau; other relatives and friends.
Diana was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, her brothers: John R. “Jack” Banes and William in infancy; her in-laws, and her grandson, Dylan LaReau.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2015 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home, N7199 N. Crystal Lake Rd., Beaver Dam. A private family graveside service will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam.
In lieu of flowers memorials in Diana’s name may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Thank you from Diana’s family -during a time like this, we realize how much our friends mean to us. Thank you for being here for us and sharing in our sorrow. Thank you for being there for her. She cared for all of you very much and always appreciated all you did for her.
A special thanks to the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home, Hillside Hospice, and the doctors, nurses and technicians that took care of her during her various illnesses. Thank you to all who gave hugs, cards, memorials and flowers.
Koepsell-Murray Funeral and Cremation Services, N7199 N. Crystal Lake Rd., Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com
