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 .

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

Racine County Humane Society

The ALCU ,

or the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance .

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