Diane N. Ludtke (Grandma Dodo), 85, of Mayville passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Hope Health and Rehabilitation in Lomira. She was surrounded by her loving family. Even as she neared her final rest, she called the whole family into the room to express her love, and how wonderful it was for everyone to be together.
A Mass of Christian Burial took place on Tuesday, March 18, at 1 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mayville with the Rev. Fr. Ed Kornath presiding. A visitation was held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Burial took place at St. Mary Cemetery in Mayville and a luncheon will be served following at the Mayville Golf Club.
Diane, daughter of Arthur and Inez (Franzke) Schley, was born on June 15, 1939, in Green Bay.
She was united in marriage to Jack Ludtke on September 9, 1961, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kaukauna.
Diane had worked various jobs throughout her life. She loved to reminisce about her first job as a carhop for Dick’s Drive In, but her favorite job was to be a loving mom and wife. She also liked to socialize with friends and enjoy a gimlet from time to time.
In her spare time, she enjoyed her birds (“Chicka-dee-dee-dee!”) and her beloved grand dogs. Family was everything to Diane and she cherished the time she spent with them. They love to share her little sayings, like “What to do, what to do, what to do, do, do?” “Who has more fun than people?” and “It’s a great life if you don’t weaken!” Whenever a family gathering was over, she would say “I love you with all my heart and soul… and watch out for deer!” It can never be said that Dodo didn’t say “I love you” enough.
Diane was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Mayville.
She is survived by her loving and faithful husband, Jack; her children, Jim (Jenny) Ludtke of Madison, Lori (Mark Peirce) Herrick of DeForest, and Jill (Randy) Liegl of Mayville; her grandchildren, Danielle (John Moser) Ludtke, Josh (Crystal Hernandez) Ludtke, Alexandra (Jarrod) Kaczanowski, Whitney (Logan Pollpeter) Liegl, and Jacob Herrick; and her great-grandson, Tyler Herrick. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends, who were always made to feel welcome.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Lori’s beloved Sean Doering; and two sisters, Janice Schley and Carol (Robert) Kitto.
Special thanks to the staff of Hope Health and Rehabilitation and St. Croix Hospice in Lomira for the care and support shown to Diane and her family. An additional thanks to Koepsell Funeral Home.
Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. www.KoepsellFH.com
