Diane M DuChene Pettipiece

Diane Marie DuChene Pettipiece, age 57 of Mankato, died Thursday, January 11, 2007 at Immanuel St. Josephs Hospital in Mankato.

Diane endured ALS for four years but never let ALS limit her joy of life and her ability to laugh and have fun.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Rev. Richard Colletti officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. Visitation will be held from 2 " 5 p.m. Sunday at Mankato Mortuary (www.mankatomortuary.com). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Loyola High School, Faribault Bethlehem Academy, or the Minnesota ALS Foundation.

Diane was born on December 22, 1949 in Faribault, MN to William Bill and Elizabeth Betty (Smisek) DuChene. She graduated from Bethlehem Academy in 1968 and was a 1969 graduate of Faribault VoTech. Diane was united in marriage to Chuck Pettipiece on June 12, 1971 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Faribault. She was employed by the Faribault School District for 5 years, RCM, Region 9, Sams Club, Janbell, and Pettipiece and Associates (founder and co-owner). She was certified in lead safe workpractices for rehabilitation projects and was a Trained Lead Supervisor . Diane was a supporter of MACS and worked MACS Night fundraisers. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Parish Council, MACS School Board, St. Veronicas Unit of St. Johns, and St. Johns Combo Choir.

She enjoyed family, summers at the camper, Mexico vacations, bowling, and spending special time with Abby. Diane also enjoyed sipping Brandy Cokes, her purple toenail polish, Sunday Brunch with the church Softball group, Dominoes, Home for the Holidays craft shows, and shopping trips to Nebraska. Diane was involved in Girl and Boy Scouting and was a recipient of the Marion Award, which is the highest award given to a Girl Scout. She also helped 100 boys achieve the Ad Altari Dei religious scouting award.

Survived by her loving husband, Chuck; sons, Ryan (Sara) and their daughter, Abby Charlotte, of Lonsdale, Adam (Shannon) of St. Paul; parents, Bill and Betty DuChene of Faribault; sister Joyce Anderson (Dave) of Apple Valley; brother Dennis DuChene (Rita) of Faribault; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Harley and Gloria Pettipiece of Faribault; brother-in-law Gary of Faribault; Julie Karp (Michael) of Mankato; Jann Zabel (Steve) of Faribault; and 14 nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by infant brother, Mark Albert and brother-in-law, Mark Edward.