Diane Godec, 88 years old, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 17, surrounded by her loving family. Diane was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Edward Godec.

She is survived by her children, David (wife Maureen, children Mark, Kevin, Elizabeth); Sue Wolfe (husband Rob, children Alex, Emma, Luke, Sam); Jeanine Hambly (husband Darrell); Mary Taggett (children Mia, Cole, Liam); and Jennifer Chapman (husband Eric, children Owen, Rex, & Dallas).  She was also blessed to know 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by Ed's sister, Elaine Lobner, and brother, John Godec and sister-in-law, Ann Zurheide.

Diane was born in Sheboygan to parents Arno and Sophia Zurheide and was preceded in death by them and her 4 siblings. She had numerous beloved cousins, in-laws, and nieces & nephews.

Diane graduated from Columbia Nursing School in Chicago in 1958.  She worked briefly at Cook County Hospital in surgery. Diane met USAF pilot Edward Godec in 1957. They married in July 1958.  Ed's flying career brought them to multiple US cities before settling in Neenah when he became one of Air Wisconsin's first pilots in 1965. Diane continued to work part time as a nurse at Theda Clark and later the VNA.

Family and friends meant the world to Diane. She had friend groups from St. Margaret Mary's, American Girl sale volunteering, her local neighborhoods, and crafting friends making stained glass, weaving baskets and textile arts. There are many people still wearing her felted wool mittens.

Diane and Ed retired to 40 acres near Lodi where they grew a prairie, flower beds, fruit and vegetables. Diane loved to entertain friends and family and we will never forget our days and nights there; enjoying the hot tub on a snowy night, "the view" from the woods, the annual Easter egg hunts and playing dodgeball with giant red balls.

Diane always had energy to spare and was happiest doing things for others.  Her home was always open to old friends, new people, foreign students, friends and family.  Whoever needed a place, she made it work. She often planned outings & vacations for friends and family and always volunteered where needed. In their later years Ed and Diane wintered in Kaua'i and Destin, Florida, & invited whoever could visit to join. Her happy places included the view from their hill, as well as Lumahai Beach in Kaua'i.

Diane lived by her calendar, keeping track of everyone's comings and goings. She encouraged us to travel and have adventures, and to work hard and say our prayers. She made time for birthday breakfasts and grandchildren's events. Her family is blessed to have had so many years with her and to have been at her side when she passed.  Diane had a strong faith and we are comforted by the thought that she will be forever watching and praying for her family. We will always remember to be thankful to her for the family that she created & the bond of togetherness will live on for many years.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am at St. Mary of the Lake, Westport, 5460 Mary Lake Rd., Waunakee, WI 53597 on January 6, 2025 with burial to follow in the cemetery. It will be preceded by visitation beginning at 9:00 am. Luncheon will follow at Rex's Innkeeper in Waunakee, WI.

A memorial will be established in Diane's name.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com