Gayle "Diane" Quitschau

Gayle “Diane” Quitschau, 68, of Peoria Heights, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was born on May 21, 1956, in Peoria, IL. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, Lowell (Dean) and Claudia (Phyllis) Williams, one grandson, Marchaun Maurice Boston, and one great-grandson, Marchaun Jahleel Blake and her beloved husband of 18 years, Dennis R. Quitschau, who also passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Diane is survived by her three children, Victoria Blake of Grand Prairie, TX, Brandon (Courtney) Blake of Morton, and Brittany Blake of Arlington, TX; her four stepchildren, Angela Quitschau of Chicago, Joseph Quitschau of O’Fallon, MO, Paul Quitschau of Washington, and Peter Quitschau of Bellevue; 11 grandchildren: Jalen and Joshua, Jacoby, Addison and Landon, Brence and Brooklyn, August and Harper, Evelyn and Isaac; and three sisters, Deana Kail, Linda (Jamey) Williams-Hensley, and Lori (Jackson) Vaughn. Diane was the second oldest of four girls who all grew up in East Peoria, IL. Growing up, she loved being on the family farm with both grandpas. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and just being outside. She didn't mind getting dirty. She loved taking the kids to the family's land as they were growing up and showing them some of the areas where she used to spend her time. While in school she excelled in both drawing and painting. This would later come in handy when helping the kids with their homework. She was such a loving and caring soul. She was so optimistic and never judged anyone no matter the circumstance. Diane worked full-time and went back to school to earn her associate’s in accounting to help provide for her family. She then worked as a bookkeeper for Peoria Siding and Window Company for 30 years until her recent retirement in December 2023. She was a strong, independent powerhouse of a woman who did not let a single obstacle stop her. She always persevered and modeled for her children that there was always good on the other side. Diane and Dennis met in Peoria in 1989. They built a beautiful bond as friends and then became a couple. Dennis became part of the family and helped make them whole. They became a blended family of seven that continued to grow throughout the years to have 11 grandchildren, who called them "Oma” and "Opa." Throughout the years of raising her kids, everyone who knew Diane knew her as "mom!" She was a mom to all. She was there to guide, support, and talk through anything and everything with all the kids and their friends at all times. Everyone knew her to be such a giving, loving, and trusting parent. She would help in any way possible. She would do what she had to do so no one had to go without. She would do everything possible to make it to all the school and sporting events for the kids. She wanted all the kids to be fully supported. On August 8, 2006, in Sturgis, South Dakota, while out there for a bike rally, Diane and Dennis got married by “Wild Bill Hickok.” Riding on the Harley with Dennis was a hobby of theirs. They would take trips with family and friends and then jump on their bike or trike to visit the kids and grandchildren all around Illinois and down in Texas. Seeing and spending time with the grandchildren is what kept them going. In 2012, Diane was hit with news no woman ever wanted to hear: “you have breast cancer!” She did not let that stop her. She fought, and she fought hard to beat it! She never gave up, and that was a true testament to who Diane truly and really was. She later joined Northwoods Community Church, where she decided to give her life to the lord and later, become baptized. She always looked at every situation with a positive mindset! The Memorial Service for Dennis and Diane, together, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Ride for the Cure or Susan G. Komen. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com

Gayle "Diane" Quitschau

May 21, 1956 - December 5, 2024