Diane Marie Duke

• Visitation: Monday, November 4, 2024 from 4 PM – 8 PM, at Wisconsin Memorial Park (13235 W. Capitol Dr. Brookfield, WI 53005)
• Funeral Service: Monday, November 4, 2024 at 7 PM, at Wisconsin Memorial Park (13235 W. Capitol Dr. Brookfield, WI 53005)
• Entombment: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 11 AM, at Wisconsin Memorial Park (13235 W. Capitol Dr. Brookfield, WI 53005)

Diane Marie Duke

(nee Beavers) passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, at the age of 79. Born on March 8, 1945, in Wisconsin to John and Marcella Beavers, Diane was a devoted wife, mother, GRANDMOTHER (Grandma), great-grandmother, aunt, and friend whose kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.

Diane married her beloved husband, Jimmie Duke, with whom she shared 63 wonderful years. Together since 1961, they built a life filled with love, resilience, and joy. They raised a family filled with compassion, generosity, and warmth. In 1985, Diane left her job to devote herself fully to caring for her family, a role she cherished throughout her life. She continued this devotion into retirement, spending her days lovingly caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren until her final days.

Her family fondly remembers her as a woman who made everyone feel special — from family to friends and even strangers. Diane had a rare warmth that welcomed all, and she was especially beloved as “Auntie” to her nieces and nephews, who all treasured her boundless love and encouragement. Her home and heart were always open, and she gave freely to those around her, embodying a spirit of selflessness that inspired all – quite literally giving the shirt off her back.

Diane was preceded in death by her father, John; her mother, Marcella; her brother, Roger Keith Beavers Sr., survived by his wife, Alice Beavers; and her brother, Leon O’Donnell, survived by his wife, Jane O’Donnell. Diane was also preceded in death by her in-laws, Sonny (Jean) Duke, Mary “Sally” Wood, Virgil (Marcella) Duke, and Zoe Ann (Gerald) Bowen. She was further preceded in death by her nephews, Terry Lee Duke, Duane Duke, Thomas “Tommy” V. Duke III, Tom Bowen, Richard “Richie” Duke, William “Bill” Haney, Bob “Bobby” Haney, and niece, Margie Breeden Cole. Despite these losses, her strength remained a source of comfort to her family.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jimmie; her son, Jimmy John “JJ” (Mary); her daughter, Brenda (Shawn); her cherished grandchildren, Deanne (Aaron), Nicholas, Riley, Kaylee, and Kelly; her great-grandchildren, Teylor, Marina, Nate, Bella, and Elijah.

Diane is further survived by her brother in-law, Richard (Jeanne) Duke; her sister-in-law, Betty Cole, predeceased by her husband, Richard “Dick”; and her sister-in-law, Linda Breeden, predeceased by her husband, Donald.

Diane is also survived by her nephews and nieces: Roger Keith (Kory) Beavers Jr., Dina (Jay) Rudoll, Gina (Peter) Krystowiak, Allison Beavers; Linda (Carles) Perkins, Renee Perkins; Betty Sue (Russell) Collins, James (Connie) Bowen; Dorothy “Cat” (Ray) Canada, Elizabeth “Lizzy” (Jerry) Wells, Robert (Paula) Duke, Suzy Cantrall; Teresa “Starr” Oldham; Richard (Robyn) Cole, Jeffrey (Erika) Cole; Roger Breeden, Ellen (Allen) Graham, Carol Sweet, Patricia (Donnie) Gibson, Terry Racard;  Junior Duke, Tony (Shannon) Duke, Kelly (Leslie) Duke, Jonathan (Danica) Duke, Joseph (Tanya) Duke, Kevin (Betsy) Duke, Julie “Dee” (Travis) Duke, Lisa (Anthony) Cannizzaro, Cheryl (Mark) Mowry, and Mary “Sally” (Johnny) Duke along with many more great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who were blessed to know her.

Diane’s warmth, love, and generosity leave a lasting legacy. Her family and friends will forever carry her laughter and kindness in their hearts.

A visitation for Diane will be held on Monday, November 4th, from 4-8 pm, with a service at 7 pm, at the Wisconsin Memorial (13235 W Capitol Dr, Brookfield, WI 53005) in the main chapel. Entombment will take place on Tuesday, November 5th, at 11 am in the mausoleum, with a dinner to follow (details to come).

Diane will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.