1947-2024
Diane Louise Neelis was born in 1947 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin to Art and Dorothy Hill.
She was one of five siblings and grew up in the Wisconsin Rapids area. Diane met and married Dave Neelis Sr. in 1964, where they lived in Illinois until 1976 when they moved to Waupaca, Wisconsin. They ran Dave’s Sewer Service for over 40 years in Waupaca.
She spent many years as a CNA at Bethany Home taking care of people. She always had a smile to share, and a contagious laugh.
In 1989, Diane opened Stoney Acres Kennel. After the success of being one of only a few in the state, her and Dave built a larger facility in 1994. Upon opening, Diane was approached by the city of Waupaca to handle the stray dog population, as there was no permanent housing for stray dogs. She accepted in 1995. She extended her help to become the area housing, and constable, for the dogs of many/much surrounding area townships. In 2002 to service as many stray dogs as she could, she merged her business into the non-profit rescue operation called the H.E.L.P. Shelter Dog Rescue. She went on to rescue thousands of dogs throughout her career, and find them “furever” homes.
In 2004, she took her education and love for higher learning to the next level. She became certified through the state of Wisconsin as the area’s Animal Control Officer. Diane was truly an advocate for all animals. Everyone in the community knew Diane as the “Dog Lady”. Her heart was so big, and she worked many selfless hours to be an advocate for animals. As an Animal Control officer, she was called for all sorts of animals including pigs, goats, horses, cats, and raccoons to name a few.
She loved family gatherings and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In the summer she loved to go out on her pontoon boat. Her birthday was on the 4th of July, so fireworks were a favorite as well.
Diane will be missed by her children, siblings, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents Art and Dorothy Hill. She is survived by her husband Dave Neelis Sr, her children Cora Hammond (Chuck), and David Neelis Jr. (Tina), her grandchildren Nicole Stanles (Nathan), Elizabeth (Karl) Carpio, and Samantha Neelis. She had four great grandsons, Owen, Arlo, Zephyr, and Onyx. Her siblings: Art (Christy) Hill, Sandy [Diggles] Hill, Loren “LiDi” Hill, Gary (Loretta) Hill. Her stepchildren Ken, Larry, Carla, and Lori. She had many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
Diane was a beautiful soul, and she will be greatly missed. Her loss will be felt by many but especially by her husband Dave Neelis Sr. Their love story started in 1964, and they were married for fifty-nine years. May she find comfort, and may God welcome her with open arms.
There will be a funeral service for Diane at 1:30 pm Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the Maple Crest Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 11am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Barton Cemetery in the Town of Farmington.