Diane Mae Raddatz

Diane Raddatz

Diane Raddatz (nee Lemke), age 86, went home to be with her Savior on December 14, 2023, in the loving presence of family. She was the beloved daughter of Herbert Emil Lemke and Clara Lemke (nee Schroeder) of Oshkosh.

Diane devoted herself to the love of her two sons and their families and friends. She cherished a life of “family first,” with such memories as taking her kids on a cross-country road trip in an RV and selling cotton candy from their popcorn truck. She was curious and empathetic, perceptive and joyous. She could make anyone, whether they knew her for minutes or years, feel supported and brightened with just a simple conversation.

She was a devoted educator, serving the final 20 years of her career as the librarian at Grafton Elementary. She took great pleasure in finding the perfect book for her students. She did her best to share her passion for history, encouraging the children to look to the past to expand their horizons.

In retirement, her adventurous spirit led her to five continents and multiple trips to obscure villages in Mexico. Friends cherished these trips “off the beaten path” with Diane. She had a special way of making the trips just as much about the people as she did the locations.

Truly, the joy of her retirement was found in the Arizona desert in the far southern city of Green Valley. Diane cultivated an amazing community where she flourished in relationships, service, and church. At her 80th birthday party, her friends showered her with cards and memories — the consistent themes being honesty, integrity, loving people, being a good friend, and living life to the fullest.

To those who knew her well, the loss of her warm presence is sharply felt, but they are comforted by her impact on their lives and that one day they will be reunited for eternity in heaven.

She was proceeded in death by her sister Laverne Woita, and is survived by her brother, Darrell Lemke, sons Gary (Catherine) Raddatz and Craig (Mary) Raddatz, granddaughters Hannah Raddatz, Avery (John) Watkins and Claire (Pete) Fitzgerald; grandsons Kyle Raddatz and Jake Raddatz.

If you feel led to honor Diane, in lieu of gifts, please consider a donation to Fort Wilderness, a Christian camp in the Northwoods of Wisconsin that has impacted the lives of her family and others for seven decades. “Fort Wilderness,” PO Box 715, McNaughton, WI 54543 or www.fortwilderness.com/giving (please include the note “In memory of Diane Raddatz”). A small family memorial will be planned for spring.