Diane E. Gunderson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Diane E. Gunderson (Gillen), our beloved cousin and friend.  She passed away January 25, 2022.  Diane was the child of Bernard “Ben” and Dorothy Gillen (Schouten).  Besides her parents, she joins her younger brother James and her cousin Clement Christensen already enjoying the company of God.  She graduated from Holy Cross Grade School, Kaukauna High School, and UW-Oshkosh.

Diane began her career in Social Work with the City of Marinette as an advocate for the elderly.  After she married, she and her husband moved to Appleton, Madison, and Sheboygan.  She lived her last 20 years back in Kaukauna.

Diane was an artist and won many awards for her paintings and needlework.  She enjoyed travelling, dined out at local restaurants as often as possible, and was politically active. She was proud of her Irish heritage and was a fan of Irish Fest, Tommy Makem, and other Irish musicians.  She loved the Packers and the Badgers and had season tickets for both teams for many years.

She is survived by her cousins John (Agnes) Biese, Appleton, William (Shirley) Biese, De Pere, Kay (Jim) Muench, Fitchburg, and their children; Clem’s children Joe Christensen, Laurie Asunma and Melissa Steinke; neighbor and friends Paul and Carol Biese; and many other relatives and friends.  She is also survived by her long-time friends Kathryn Hausman and Kathy Lemke (Diane called her Kathy Junior).  We love her dearly and will miss her always.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Kaukauna, WI  by Fr. Don Everts with internment following in the parish cemetery.

Wichmann Funeral Homes – Fargo Chapel, Kaukauna assisted the family with arrangements.

Please leave a special message or condolences for Diane’s family and friends below.