Diane Shanks

Diane P. Shanks, 58, Stratford, passed away peacefully with family at her side on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019, at Marshfield Medical Center.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, at Zion Lutheran Church, Stratford, where the family received relatives and friends from 9 a.m. until the service time. Rev. Sue Eidahl presided. The Auxiliary to the V.F.W. Post 6352 conducted a prayer service at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Marshfield, at a later date. Sauter/Rembs Funeral Home, Stratford, assisted the family.

Diane was born on Oct. 30, 1961, in Portage, to Max and Patricia (Heit) Duffy and was a 1980 graduate of Montello High School. She also was a 1985 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Whitewater where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in education. She was employed by the Colby School District and spent almost all of her teaching career as an English teacher there for 32 years as well as being part of the drama department.

On June 22, 1996, Diane married the love of her life, William L. Shanks, Sr. They remained happily married for 21 years until William’s death on Sept. 30, 2017.

She was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary to Post 6352 where she served as secretary, hospital chairperson and she volunteered at the steak feeds and honor flight breakfasts. She enjoyed camping each year with her family at Fort McCoy and traveling with her husband as much as possible.

She is survived by stepsons: William (Karen) Shanks, Jr., Edward (Cherada) Shanks and Randy Englebretson. She is also survived by her nephew, Scott Duffy; and her six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Patricia; her husband, William; two brothers: Robert and Joe; and two sisters: Linda and Debra.

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com.

Paid obituary 82985