Diane Marie Sheets, age 67, passed away from her battle with cancer in Wausau, Wisconsin on February 19th, 2025.

Diane was born on May 17th, 1957 in Ishpeming, Michigan to the late Elise Marie (Alanko) Leaf and Charles Frederick Leaf III. They moved around Wisconsin for the first 15 years of her life residing in Superior, La Crosse, Madison and Janesville, until finally settling in the Wausau area in 1972, where she would make her home. She met the love of her life, Deputy Jeffrey Neil Sheets, and was married at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church on September 22nd, 1984. After two kids and 10 years of marriage, Jeff's life and their future plans were tragically cut short.

Diane never remarried and devoted the remainder of her life to being a mother, grandmother, friend, and above all else a teacher. Embracing her love of children, she pursued a career as an elementary school teacher with the D.C. Everest School district that spanned many decades. Her lessons continued outside of the classroom- from welcoming students into her home to bake Christmas cookies, to decorating a corner of her basement like a classroom for "grammy preschool".

She shared her life with many loyal dogs that would shadow her around the yard as she refilled birdfeeders and watered her flowers. Her dogs would hoover up fallen bits of food in the kitchen as she trained her children, and then her grandchildren to be her sous chefs. They'd also join her on summer camping trips and vacations out west where she explored her love of nature.

She was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Survivors include her daughter Erin (Dennis Jr.) Blaschka and two grandchildren, son Logan Sheets, Sister Susan (David) Zimmerman, sister-in-law Mary Kaull and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Deputy Jeffrey Neil Sheets and brother Brian Leaf.

There will be a celebration of life on a later date.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time.  Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS