Obituary
Diane Stone
On April 14th, 2023, Diane Stone passed away suddenly, at home, in the arms of her life partner, Jeff. She was 66 years old.
Diane was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Robert Stone and Augustine Williams on October 28th, 1956. She grew up on the north side of La Crosse. Diane’s parents divorced and her dad married Lillian Stone, who stepped up as Diane’s mom. Diane went to Logan High where she met her first husband, John Endris. She graduated “Class of ’74” and was so proud that she maintained friendships with her classmates throughout her life.
Diane and John married in 1976 at St Joe’s cathedral in La Crosse. Diane was a beautician for most of her early years at Suzanne’s on the north side of La Crosse. While at work, Diane found a lump in her neck. It was October of 1979 and her first child, Angela, was due in December. Diane was diagnosed with hodgkins lymphoma, the first documented pregnant case in La Crosse County, and was told she needed radiation treatments immediately. Selflessly, Diane chose to carry her pregnancy to full term and she started radiation as soon as Angela was born,. Those radiation treatments saved her life. But she ultimately paid the price with health problems for the next four decades, as a result of those aggressive treatments. Following two miscarriages, they welcomed their second daughter, Cali. Diane always called her a miracle baby, following the cancer treatment and miscarriages. Diane and John divorced in 1989.
Diane was a jack of all trades. Following her divorce she became a heavy equipment operator for Mathy Construction, most often running the steam roller. Some of the other hats Diane wore include server, bartender, bus driver for people with special needs, vet tech, CNA, CS tech, and phlebotomist. She loved talking with strangers and always went out of her way to help others.
Diane met her life partner, Jeff Pearson, in 2000 after he brought his dogs into the vet clinic where she worked. They spent 23 wonderful years together, residing in Taylor, Wisconsin. In the past few years they started enjoying the coldest winter months by vacationing in Florida. Jeff and Diane were a team, buddies for life.
Diane loved her plants, gardening, animals, and birdwatching. But traveling was her favorite thing to do. And being a Grandma was her greatest honor.
Diane is survived by her life partner, Jeffrey Pearson; mother-in-law, Joan Pearson; daughter’s Angela (Tony) Subjek, Cali (Ryan Mosher) Endris; and her three grandchildren, Owen Anthony Subjek, Macy Rae and Isla Jean Mosher.
Her father, Robert Stone, her mother, Lillian Stone and her brother, Darryl Stone, proceed Diane in death.
Services will be Saturday, April 22nd at River Harvest Church, 1001 Quincy Street in Onalaska. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., funeral service at 11:30 a.m. and then a luncheon/celebration of life to follow at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street in Onalaska.
Thank you for all of the support from our friends and family during this difficult time, especially Diane’s friends, Nancy Copus and Donna Reget Gilbert. Also, special mention to Diane’s friends and travel buddies, Stephanie Pfaff and Joanie Matchey.
Diane’s daughters would like to extend a special thank you to their friends that work at Gundersen ER and Onalaska Care Center for caring for our mom like she was family.
“I’ll love you forever. I’ll like you for always. As long as I’m living, my mommy you’ll be.”
Click the link to watch Diane’s tribute video:
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/B76MM639DMW4TBRQ
I,m a cousin, my dad was butch not for sure if we ever met. I knew your mom in our younger days. Life was good down on the farm in viola where Grandma and grandpa stone lived. she was only 7 years older than me. I sure am sorry for your loss.
SHAWN janecek Then you must have known My
Aunt Pearl Stone. You name a Stone then I am related. Had some good times in LaFarge as a young kid. I think if I threw a rock any one hit would be a relative. My Grandmother was Hannah Stone and My Grandfather John Hatfield.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Angela and with your family. Hugs.
My heart goes out to you all. Diane was a friend of mine for years, we were in the same class. I have alot of great memories of her and I. She will be missed.
Diane, I will miss your sassy attitude, colorful language and (most of all) the hugs. I am so glad you got back home and had time with your girls, Jeff and the Grandkids. (You said you just wanted to go home to Jeff, your dogs and sleep in your own bed!). You fought and fought and proved to all of us what courage and resiliency are all about! You are like a sister to me!! I will cherish every memory, miss you and love you…..forever.
Last fall Diane came to the Craft Sale at the Omni Center where I had a booth.
She saw and stormed the booth to hug me. Much to my dismay and that of my daughters. I had not seem Diane in many years. She made it feel like a day. I’m so thankful for that brief visit. She talked about the old days, her kids and grands and Jeff. They put a twinkle in her eye. I love you Diane. You will be missed.
i WISH I HAD KNOWN THAT COUSIN DIANE LIVED IN ONALASKA. IT SURE WOULD HAVE BEEN SOME INTERESTING TIMES, HER FATHER AND MOTHER WERE FANTASTIC PEOPLE. EVERYONE WAS WELCOME AT THEIR DOOR. WE WERE ALL BROUGHT UP THAT WAY OUR GRANDPARENTS MADE SURE OF THAT.
To Diane’s family,
My heart aches for all of you.
With deep sorrow & sympathy,
Jane (Halverson) Kruger
My husband Mike Burrow grew up by Diane. He said they used to ride their bikes behind the mosquito fogger, or at the least Mike did. We both graduated with Diane. We were lately following a classroom friends group and I got to know her more
She was a blessing to everyone.
So sorry. Only met and spent time with you once but had many conversation later. Was looking forward to seeing you again (briefly) in Florida. Our thoughts and prayers for with Jeff and the rest of the family and friends.
To Diane’s family, especially her daughters she talked about frequently, I’m so sorry for your loss. She worked for the General Store in Taylor while I was part owner, so i, too, was blessed to know her, her compassion for all people, and warm, friendly personality. What a Lady!
Angela, Cali and family.. My sincere condolences for the loss of your beautiful Mother and family member. Praying for you all, and sending you love at this time.