Service Details
Friday, May 12, 2017
Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home
- Visitation: 10:30 – 12 noon
- Funeral Service: 12 noon
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations in Diane’s memory to
The ALCU,
Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists
Julie’s Personal Touch
Diane Lou Small, 68, passed away at Ascension All Saints Hospital on Friday May 5, 2017. She was born in Waukesha County on September 12, 1948, the daughter of the late George and Hazel (nee: Koerber) Small. She was a Racine resident for most of her life.
Diane worked for the Racine Unified School District for many years until she retired in 2011. She was a devoted teacher whose specialty was working with children with learning disabilities. Diane began her career at the Gilmore Jr. High School, followed by working with special needs students at Horlick High School and North Park Elementary. Diane finished her career at the Racine County Detention Center.
Diane loved the planting and care for her flowers and plants, filling her bird feeders and watching with great intrigue the variety of birds that would come to feed. Diane loved her cat Jack, and all of her cats, for that matter. Finding a “sun-spot” with Jack and reading was one of Diane’s favorite past times. Diane loved watching the women’s NCAA basketball tournament and planning on how to get tickets, for herself and her friends to the games. Diane often went walking “the path” with her Wilson Coffee Shop friends and talking smart about politics, the state of education, the Badgers, and the proud mention and discussion of her nieces and nephews was always on her lips.
Spring was also the time she would, once again, put her faith on her sleeve and pray that her “Cubbies could pull it out and win a World Series! They did and we all heard about it. Perhaps she was a person of all seasons. Fall and winter were special too. Travels to Door county to listen to music or watch a drama always filled her docket. Diane’s many trips with friends to “the farm” to reconnect with her roots, do some shopping and breathe the soil alway seemed to invigorate her. As the eldest sibling and older sister, she did everything right from playing hoops in the driveway, attending special events, lending an encouraging ear and just being there, she was all of it.
Robust and energetic, empathetic and caring in her professional and personal life shaped Diane into shining diamond. Although taciturn about her opinions publicly, given the opportunity, Diane had a lot to say. Diane is missed by all that knew and loved her; there is a void in all of our hearts.
Diane is survived by her brothers and sister: Thomas (Arnette) Small of Dodgeville, Peggy Small of Cudahy, Daniel Small of Oak Creek, David (Kathy) Small of Florida, Mark (Julie) Small of Milwaukee, and Debbie (Curtis) Kaschner of Port Washington; her nieces and nephews: Scott, Shannon, Shawn, Christopher, Annie, Laura, Brandon, Mariel, Ryan, Sam, William, and Kimball; as well as many other relatives and friends including longtime friend Ann Laing of Racine.
Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Friday, May 12, 2017 at 12:00 pm. Visitation in the funeral home will begin at 10:30a.m. In lieu of flowers please consider making donations in Diane’s memory to the Racine County Humane Society; The ALCU, or the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance.
Susy Thompson says
What a beautiful tribute. My heart breaks for the entire Small family.
Becky bowen says
Mrs small was a wonderful teacher I had a chance to be in her classes she was a quite one but she was nice
JoAnn McMorris says
Diane was a warm and caring person who will be truly miss.
JoAnn McMorris says
I will miss her calling me about the college hoops.
Pat Small, Virginia Small and Joanne (Small) Stemper says
It was always a treat to see cousin Diane, whether it being a family event or rubbing elbows at the Michelle Obama/Mary Burke campaign speeches in Milwaukee in 2014. Knowing that we were all kin (first cousins once-removed) AND kindred spirits politically, made it a double pleasure.
We are saddened to learn of her passing and regret that those serendipitous and happy occasions with her will be no more.
Tom, Dan, Peggy, David, Mark and Debby, you have our sincerest sympathy.
Anonymous says
Indeed, such a beautifully worded tribute to my cousin Diane. It is difficult for the world to lose such a caring person as Diane. I was looking forward to “one- of- these- days- when- I- am- not- so -busy” getting together with Diane….to talk about our grandparents history and our same political views, among other things. She was a diamond… now shining in heaven with her parents, but will be missed by all who knew her. With sincere sympathy to her siblings, Ann, in-laws, nieces and nephews,
Nancy Melewski-McGuire
Chicago, Illinois
Patti (Melewski) White says
My deepest sympathy to the Small family on the loss of their oldest sister Diane. I always enjoyed talking with her at family events. She was a very kind and caring cousin to me. She will be missed.
Ellie Boldus says
I was saddened to learn of Diane’s death and am sorry that I will not be able to attend her service. I knew her as a caring, competent teacher from the years we both taught at North Park School. My sympathies to all who were touched by this special lady,
Judie & Tom Shine says
Our deepest sympathies, Dan, to you and your family. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. While we are unable to be with you as you say your final good-byes, please know that you are in our hearts and prayers as your family shares tears, laughter, and memories of a wonderful sister, woman, and teacher.
Christine Christensen says
I am very sorry to hear about Diane’s passing. Great person.
Claire and Mike Wagner says
Diane, you were such a guardian angel for our children at North Park. With a twinkle in your eye, you would “try” to snatch our son’s winter cap as he came into school in the morning. You always sought out both our children to welcome them to school. Thank you for making them feel cared for.