Dianne L. Vande Hey

God welcomed Dianne Lynn Vande Hey into heaven on Monday, February 4th from her Ocean Oasis at her daughters’ in Kaukauna. She was surrounded by her loving family as she peacefully let go, and joined our Lord and Savior in Heaven.  

Dianne’s story began on August 3rd, 1946, when she was born to Gerard and Evelyn Desmond in Kohler, WI. She was very close to her older sister Patricia Desmond-Bradley, younger sister Eileen Antonescu and baby brother Tony (LuAnn) Desmond. All three have loved Dianne and supported her through her entire life. Growing up in Kohler, Dianne enjoyed making memories with her childhood friends, which continued until she passed.

While in college, Dianne met her honey (Gerald Vande Hey) and they married June 14th, 1969.  Pine HIlls Golf Club will never be the same, after that celebration. Over the years, Dianne grew close to her Vande Hey in-laws. Margie (Leo) Vosters, Vince (Val) Vande Hey, Phyllis (Dave) Wereley, Mary (Jim) Beschta, Bob (Jean) Vande Hey, Don (Mary Lou) Vande Hey, Roy (Deb) Vande Hey, Victoria (Dave) Gossens, Terry (Robin) Van Zeeland, and Rebecca (Hector) Esparza were and continue to be an important part of this journey.

Dianne taught special education in the Kaukauna School District until starting a family in Little Chute, WI. They had a son and a daughter, Andrew (Maxine DeGroot) and Nicole (Mike Ebben).  Dianne was an amazing Mom and the rock behind Gerald as they built and expanded Vande Hey Company, the family landscaping business.  Over the years, she enjoyed music, coaching youth bowling, bowling herself, snowmobiling, playing cards, games, softball, racquetball, volleyball, golf, waterskiing, camping, entertaining and relaxing by the ocean.  She truly loved life and enjoyed time spent with family and special friends that felt like family.  Dianne loved her grandchildren Nick (20), Bekah (18), Anna (17), Courtney (16), Ashley (14), and Halle (13).  Dianne (Nana) lived for family, especially her grandchildren, and the memories she created spoiling them with game time, creative projects and fun will last forever.  

She was greeted in heaven by her Mother & Father (Evelyn & Gerard Desmond), her in-laws (Ruth & Len Vande Hey), her brother-in-law Jim Bradley, her precious miscarried baby and other good friends and family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Krueger and the ThedaCare Cancer Center & Hospice team, the wonderful nurses, compassionate CNA’s and outgoing staff at Rennes Nursing Home, understanding caregivers Judy, Jen, Joann & Janet with Home Instead and the countless people that have helped in even the smallest of ways.  Dianne battled Glioblastoma Multiforme brain cancer for two and a half years with dignity.  During this time, she never complained and was gracious, appreciative, and thankful. Dianne is finally free.

Please join us for a CELEBRATION of Dianne’s life at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 323 S. Pine Street, Little Chute. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 4-7:30 p.m. (colorful vacation attire welcomed), and again on Wednesday from 9-11:00 a.m., with a Mass and meal to follow. Flowers are beautiful, but Dianne established a memorial fund for tuition assistance at St John’s, St. Ignatius and Xavier Catholic Schools instead.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.