Diane Leisemann (1947-2017)

          Diane Leisemann, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Sunday September 10, 2017 in her home, at the age of 70.

Diane was born in Kenosha on February 11, 1947, the only child of Nicholas and Mary (Hines) Katovich. She graduated from Bradford High School in 1965. Following high school, she began college at the Kenosha UW Extension for two years before transferring to the University of Wisconsin in Madison where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work in 1969. In 1977 Diane earned her Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.

On September 15, 1973, she was united in marriage with Warren Leisemann at Unitarian Universalist Church of Racine & Kenosha (Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church) in Racine.

Diane began her career as a Montessori School Directress and then worked at the Job Center and Gateway Technical College from which she retired in 2007 having served as a Student Advisor and Counselor for 32 years. While at Gateway, Diane was very involved with the Gateway Technical Education Association as President for numerous terms and was a tireless advocate for union rights for educators.  Following her retirement, she volunteered at Kemper Center and was active in the creation and operation of Kenosha’s Down to Earth Community Garden on 30^th Avenue serving on its Board of Directors.

Diane and her husband Warren were founding members of Bradford Community Church Unitarian Universalist and she spent countless hours over the years lending her expertise to the Finance Committee and her sparkling smile and warm welcome to the Hospitality Committee. Diane was always a joyous planner of church potlucks and will be remembered fondly for her sunny disposition, incredible work ethic, and her place in the alto section of the church choir.

She wore many hats in her life, but her favorite one was as the mother of her beloved son Troy. She took delight in Troy’s gift of musical talent and was an unapologetic “Band Mom” who supported all his efforts.

Diane is survived by her husband Warren of Somers, and by her son Troy of Milwaukee. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Memorial Service for Diane will be held on October 7, 2017 at Bradford Community Church Unitarian Universalist (5810 8^th Ave) at 2:30 PM. Visitation with the family will be held at the church from 1:00 PM until the time of the service.