Diane Ellen DeKeyser

Diane Ellen (Scholzen) DeKeyser passed away peacefully on November 18th, 2025 after am almost four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Up until the end Diane maintained her kindness, compassion, appreciation of beauty, love for family and friends, and her unwavering will and determination. 

Diane was born and raised in Racine with her twin sister Debra, and brothers David and Dennis. After the untimely death of her mother Marilyn, her father Raymond remarried and Lee, Jeff and Janey joined their family. 

While attending a friend’s party, Diane was introduced to a very handsome and charmingly roguish Daniel DeKeyser, Jr. Quickly smitten, they married on July 22nd, 1978. Together they had two children, Daniel Ray and Kristina Elizabeth. Diane was a devoted and loving mother, always putting her children first. Daniel and Kristina were always her pride and joy. 

In 1997, Diane and family relocated to the Crivitz area where they made a home for 20 plus years. After many difficult years laboring at Wausaukee Composites, Diane found fulfillment and happiness as a custodian with the Crivitz School District. Diane would spend her free-time crafting diamond art, crocheting, playing cribbage, solving cross-word puzzles, and trying her luck with scratch-offs and BINGO! The crowning glory for Diane was the arrival of grandchildren; Aiden and Kenzie. She delighted in everything about her new role as ‘Nana’ and made it a priority to be as engaged as possible with her grandchildren. 

In early 2022, Diane was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She underwent the Whipple procedure, chemo and radiation. Diane was in remission until April 2025, when she was given her terminal diagnosis, just one month after losing her husband Danny to the same cancer. They would have celebrated 47 years of marriage in July. 

Diane moved to Appleton to reside at Ballard Glenn Assisted Living to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Even in her diminishing state near the end of her life, she quickly made friends at the facility, where she was known as a helping friend to fellow residents and could be found participating in Bingo, UNO, and other activities. Diane quickly became a favorite of the care giving staff. She maintained a beautiful, inviting living space with her diamond art pictures and sun catchers, photographs of her family, and plants everywhere. She was also known for her kindness, positivity, and appetite. That woman could put down a plate of food! 

Diane made a positive impression on everyone she met. She will always be fiercely loved by those closest to her and missed terribly. Diane, Mom, Nana-the world is a little darker without you in it, but Heaven has gained the most beautiful soul. 

Diane is survived by son Daniel R. (Amy); daughter Kristina E. (Trevor); grandchildren Aiden and Kenzie; sister Debra (Dave); brother Dennis; sister-in-law Laura (Jac); father Raymond (Lee); and many nieces and nephews. 

Diane is preceded in death by husband Daniel; brother David; step-sister Janey; and best friend Laurie E. 

The Family would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to the St. Croix Hospice Team and Ballard Glenn staff for their care and kindness for Mom for the past several months.

A celebration of life will be held for both Diane (Dee) and Daniel (Bit) DeKeyser at a later date.