Diane M. Pautz

Diane Reega – Pautz passed away peacefully on November 21st, 2020 at the age of 66. Born August 23rd, 1954, to the late William Reega (1966) and the late Katherine Reega (Kay) nee Peroutka 88. She is survived by her husband David M. Pautz whose life and love they shared for 45 years. Diane was a dear mother to Bruce (Brenda) Pautz, William (Jody) Pautz, and Amanda Pautz, as well as a second Mom to numerous children everywhere, as she offered love, guidance and a home filled with love to many. Diane took great pride being Grandmother to Tyler, Alexia, Cole, Reese, Trent, Alleigh, Michael, Charlotte and Analeigh. They were her greatest source of love and happiness throughout her life. Diane is further survived by sister Karen (Gary) Reega, Jean Peroutka - Sabatelli (the late Arnold Sabatelli) and James (Gayle) Peroutka, as well as loved nephew Ronald (Linda) Oleson. Funeral arrangements as well as the gathering of friends and family will be announced at a later date. Everyone who knew Diane throughout her life understood that she was an outgoing and loving person. She was a natural leader and strived to accomplish every goal she set for herself. She had an infectious love of life. Friends and family, throughout the years, would comment on how she could walk into any room full of people and instantly light up the place. Wherever she went, she would talk to anyone and within a few minutes, she had developed a new circle of friendships. Whether it would be at our place in Arizona, our summer retreat at our lake home, at her office, or wherever she found herself to be at the moment, she was always extending friendship and love to everyone. Diane earned a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising at Stout State University as well as a Masters Degree in Financial Services and Accounting from Cardinal Stritch University. She started her career as buyer for Federated Department Stores which allowed her to travel throughout the country and world on buying trips as well as vacations. With the children came the career change to stay at home Mom and soon, there was a house full of children from the neighborhood as well as “Baby in the Buckets” children from families in need of daycare. It was a house full of love and life. As things settled down, Diane embarked on a 25 year career in estate and tax services, eventually working as a partner with her dear friends from H&R Block in their new company. Their business flourished and she loved her clients as family. Simply put, everyone was family to Diane. Diane was a natural athlete and excelled at whatever she put her mind to. Her best sport was competitive swimming. In high school, there was only water ballet offered as a women’s swimming activity. She would work out with the men’s swim team and it was often said, that she was the fastest swimmer in the water. In college, she was a standout swimmer, winning numerous conference titles in her events and named Wisconsin State College’s Female Swimmer of the year in 1974. Diane’s swim times qualified her for tryouts for the 1976 Olympics, but she opted for career goals and someone she loved. She married that guy. Gifts or donations are requested to be directed to St. Judes Research center for Children. She loved children and there is no greater reward than being there for them.