On a snowy, snowy night Jesus called for an angel. Not just any angel, but a very special angel. One with a big heart. One with nothing but love and respect for all. One who could fit right in with all of the wonderful people already there. One who had suffered enough and deserved the relief that death would bring. One who believed in the grace of God.
It just so happened our house had the perfect candidate to fill that need. Plus she could cook, sew, organize, lead, laugh and do many other things like no one else!
Jesus saw her tears of pain and those of her family and friends. So, on that night, Jesus came to our house, put out his hand and said “It is your time.” He lifted her and took her with him to everlasting life with him and those who had gone before her. And, with that, a great sigh of relief came over her and she left.
Diane M. “DiDi” Rilling-Schultz, age 62, peacefully passed on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at her home in Oregon, WI.
She was born on April 12, 1957 in Port Washington, WI; daughter of Donald ”Perch” and Marilyn Gessner Rilling. She grew up on Montgomery Street in Port Washington and attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from Port Washington High School in 1975. While in high school her artistic talents were recognized and honed by her art teacher, Fred Leece, something that would reward her and others for the rest of her life.
On April 22, 1978 she married Don “Diego ” Schultz, also of Port Washington, at St. Mary’s Church. In 1983 they were blessed with twins Dustin and Matthew. Diane had a number of interesting jobs in her life but none gave her more value and love than being a mother and grandmother. Family was important to Diane and she enjoyed every visit, phone call, text or email she would get.
She also enjoyed being creative. It could be a drawing, doll, jewelry, Christmas wreath or just decorating her home. There are many homes that display her Christmas Angels during the holiday season.
Diane is survived by her husband Don, sons Dustin (Samantha Lange), Matthew ( Crystal), grandson Keiden, step-grandaughter Aviana, sisters Karen (the late Doug) Conradt and Suzanne Rilling, sister-in-law Gloria Rilling, nieces, nephews, special friends Michelle & Sid, Mary & Jerry, Kathy & Bill, other relatives and friends.
She is preceded by her parents and her two brothers Thomas “TJ” and James Rilling.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Diane’s life from 1-3PM Sunday January 19, 2020 at the POOLE FUNERAL HOME/Crematory, 203 N. Wisconsin Street, Port Washington, WI with a Time of Sharing at 3PM.
Memorials may be made in Diane’s name to Agrace Hospice Care, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, the Humane Society or a charity of your choosing.
Our deepest condolences to Diane’s family. Keiden is our great nephew, and his grandmother was very special to him. He now has an angel in heaven to watch over him.
Don, Dustin, Matthew,
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t spend much time with Diane in person, but more time conversing on Facebook. She was so brave to share her story/struggle, and with nothing but positive, inspirational thoughts. She never gave up being positive, which is an inspiration to us all. I am so sorry for your grief, and pray for healing hearts for all. She is gone physically, but I believe she’ll still make her presence known to those she loves. Please take care of yourselves.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. Although I never personally met Diane we were Facebook friends and I adored her courage and followed her journey. She loved her family and God. I’m so happy she touched my life and I will forever treasure knowing her. May God walk with you through these difficult times and bless you dearly with comfort and love. Pam
Don, please accept my heartfelt condolences and extend them to the rest of the family as well. I am so blessed to have had Diane in my life. When I told her that I was sure we were somehow related but I didn’t know how, she simply said, “We’re sisters!”. Even though we only saw each other in person once (thank you for bringing her to see me!), we often spoke of how close we felt. I will continue to pray for you and the family as you mourn her beautiful presence and adjust to your new reality. Much love!
I knew Diane for several years, however, only through Facebook. It was obvious, even there, that Diane was a loving caring person in all ways. Each morning I looked forward to the photos she posted as she shared the view from her deck. We had a sort of connection in that I was a long-time member of the Grafton Volunteer Fire Department where I met Kibby Rilling whom we chatted about a few times. Diane will be dearly missed by all including her many Facebook friends.
You’re in a better place now, Diane. May you Rest in Peace.
Don Kenner
Diego, I was so grateful to be able to have lunch with her and Suzanne on your last trip to Wilmington. She was a spiritual inspiration to me and she will always hold a special place in my heart!
Don, Dustin and Matthew,
I am so sorry to hear of DiDi’s passing. Played a lot of sandlot baseball with the Rilling kids. We always connected at some function or other. Her smile, the sparkle in her eyes and her quick wit, I will keep those memories in my heart. May God hold you all close and fill you with grace and peace.
This is a lovely obituary…I recall Diane’s sweet smile and twinkling eyes which told you she was genuine! It sounds like she put family first and had built a wonderful nest for her loved ones. Unfortunately, I haven’t been in touch with her since our days in Port…life takes us in different directions and sometimes we lose touch. My cousin Liz Decker(Who has kept in touch with Diane)told me she was ill. Liz also mentioned Diane’s strong faith and said she was valiantly battling…such sad news to hear she lost the fight. I hope her faith brought her peace in her final days here on earth. My condolences to her loved ones…she will live on in the beautiful memories she made!
Don, Dustin and Matthew,
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman! Thoughts and prayers to all of you during this very difficult time.
Love,
Bob and Lisa
Our deepest sympathy to all of Diane’s family. She was a lovely person.
Suzanne, I am so sorry for your loss.
I met Diane through my cousin Mary Leubke and although I didn’t get to spend much time with her, the times I did get with her were so special. Full of smiles and laughter. So was such a sweet giving person and I feel blessed to have known her for the short time I did. She was such a beautiful person both inside and out. My God hold her for eternity in the palm of his hand.
Thinking about you and ALL OF YOUR FAMILY! Sending love and hugs💚🌈❤️judyadams ✨🌟💫💐💃
Suzanne you ARE ALSO A VERY SPECIAL LADY ! 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹