Obituary: Marian Arleen (Davis) Diece
Marian Arleen (Davis) Diece, age 96, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024, in Texas where she had resided with family since 2011. Marian was born in Winfield township of Sauk County, Wisconsin on April 1, 1927 to Floyd and Hazel (White) Davis. Marian was a longtime resident of LaValle, WI.
Marian was a school teacher for nearly 40 years. She graduated from the Sauk County Normal School in 1947 and began teaching grades K-12 in rural one room schoolhouses. She taught in the Reedsburg School District for 27 years with most of that time spent teaching fourth grade in the Ironton-LaValle Elementary school. Marian earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1971 and her Master’s of Science in Teaching Elementary Education in 1978, both from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. “Mrs. Diece” loved and cared for her students and was loved by them as well with several keeping in touch with her throughout the years. Her lesson plans were always well organized and her bulletin boards were always brightly decorated for each season or holiday. She retired from teaching in 1989. For many years after retirement, Marian was an active member of the Sauk County Retired Educator’s Association, the Wisconsin Retired Educators’ Association and the National Education Retirement Association.
Marian and Ivan Hubert Diece were united in marriage on May 31, 1948 at the LaValle Advent Christian church. Their marriage was blessed with one daughter, Rebecca.
Marian and Ivan were long time members of the LaValle Advent Christian church where Marian served as Sunday School Superintendent for 50 years. She was Vacation Bible School Director and sang in the choir for many years. Marian was a member of the Women’s Home and Foreign Missionary society and the Sunshine Committee. She also was an original member of the Valleytones gospel singing group. Marian lived her life in service of the Lord, reading the Bible and praying daily and setting a Christian example for many.
Marian, “Mugg”, to many of her family members, loved to sing and play guitar. Marian had the unique ability to yodel and enjoyed many family gatherings centered around singing along with the piano, violin and guitar.
Marian is preceded in death by her husband, Ivan Diece; parents, Floyd and Hazel Davis; a brother Philip and sister Edith who died as infants; brothers, Gladyn Davis and Robert Davis and sister Gladys Austin.
Marian is survived by her daughter Rebecca (Robert) Simeon, granddaughter Jennifer (Michael) Smith and great granddaughter Madison Smith all of New Braunfels, Texas; sister Barbara (Robert) Mobley of Calvert City, Kentucky; sister-in-law, Anna Davis of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.
The family extends a special thank you to the leadership and staff at Brookdale-New Braunfels for the love and excellent care they provided to Marian and to Hope Hospice for their care and support.
Visitation for Marian will be at Farber Funeral home in Reedsburg, Wisconsin from 4-7 pm on Thursday, February 1. Funeral services will be at 1 pm on Friday, February 2, 2024 at the LaValle Advent Christian
Church with Pastor Andy Johnson officiating. Visitation on Friday will be at the church from Noon until the time of service. A luncheon at the church will follow burial at Oak Lawn Cemetery in LaValle.
