Diane M. Risch

Diane Mary Risch (Johnson), 69, of Manitowoc, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 8, 2022. Diane was born on March 30, 1953, in Manitowoc, daughter of Lillian Mae (Vernon) Lawerentz and the late Jim James Johnson. She graduated with the class of 1971 from Manitowoc Lincoln High School. On May 31, 1975, Diane married Paul Tom Risch who recently passed on Jan. 2, 2022, in Manitowoc. Diane was an elementary teacher for over 25 years, teaching primarily within the Manitowoc Area Catholic School System, ultimately finding her home at Holy Innocents (now Roncalli Elementary) until she decided to move on to a new chapter of her life. She had incredible patience and love for a game a cribbage, even teaching her 4th graders for many years that the skill of counting and strategy was an important part of life. Her love for cooking was unmatched, with desserts being her specialty. She also enjoyed gardening, fishing, getting together with her friends for lunch, sharing stories of years gone by; especially during deer hunting season. Diane’s latest past time was keeping her beloved dog Chance close by her side until it was time for him to move on this past March. Diane will be missed by many and forgotten by none. Survivors include her two daughters and one son, Nicole (Patrick) Sullivan, Oshkosh, Jeff (Nicole) Risch, Manitowoc, and Cassie (Tim Satterthwaite) Risch, Madison; nine grandchildren, Sophie (who tragically left us on Easter morning) and Tristan Sullivan, Ethan, Ellisen, Eden, Emerson and Evyon Risch, Waylon and Emma Satterthwaite; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her sisters Sharon and Barb, and her brother David. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 10 a.m. until the time of the prayer service at noon at the Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 S. 14th St., Manitowoc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com