Diane G Perez, 67 of Baldwin, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully Thursday night, February 4, 2021, after a tough battle with cancer. Diane was born November 28, 1953 to Levi and Francis (Spears) Leith, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She married her high school sweetheart, Ken Knutson, and was blessed with four children; Elizabeth, Monica, Jackie, and Kenneth, before their marriage ended. In 1994 she married Francisco Perez. The two shared over 26 years together before his passing in 2020. Diane enjoyed the simple things in life; listening to the Bee Gees, enjoying a cold Budweiser, dancing, and singing, especially “It’s a Wonderful World,” and “You Are My Sunshine” to her grandkids. She loved her family, enjoyed taking care of her grand and great-grandkids, and spending time with her sisters. Diane was also a good cook, spoiling family with her enchiladas, or fedao.

Diane is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Jerry) Miles, Monica (Shawn) Allison, Jackie Knutson, and Kenneth Jr. (Gina) Knutson; grandchildren, Shawn, Vanessa, Alison, Steven, Stratton, Sterling; Shayne, Dean, Sumiyah, Dylan; Tamika, Nakeyia, Zack; Maalik, Konrad, Lucille; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marcella Leith, and Barb Spears; ex-husband, Kenneth Knutson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Francisco Perez; her parents, Levi and Francis (Spears) Leith; and sisters, Marietta (Brian) Bell, and Ruthann Leith.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Diane will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m., with a time to share stories and a eulogy at 4:30 p.m., on Friday, February 12, 2021 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin, WI. Masks and social distancing required. Cards for the family may be sent to O’Connell Family Funeral Home: Care of Diane Perez Family, 1010 Newton St., Baldwin, WI 54002, to be forwarded on your behalf.