Diane Marie Althaus, age 69, of Madison, WI, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI. She was born July 17, 1956, in Woodstock, IL, to Harold and Grace Stilling, number six of nine children. She grew up in McHenry, IL; during her junior year in high school moved with her family to Cambridge, WI. Diane graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1972. She worked as a dental assistant, a court reporter, and ended her working career as a Senior Ordinance Specialist for the City Attorney's Office of Madison.

Diane married the love of her life, Scott Althaus, on June 7, 1986. Their two daughters, Laura and Catherine, completed her world. Diane was born to be a classroom mom, a Girl Scout Troop leader, and a volunteer throughout her community. She enjoyed baking, gardening, reading, traveling, golfing, swimming, water skiing, boating on Lake Mendota, and all Packers, Brewers, and Badgers sports. Diane’s mother always said that nobody had more friends than Diane. She regularly visited with her “circle of love” (consisting of family, friends near and far, and neighbors) and made sure all of them were kept informed and prayed for her after she was no longer able to provide her own health updates.

Diane’s zest for life, positivity, and faith helped her through her Stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis in December of 2019. Despite her diagnosis and treatments, Diane lived life to the fullest. With cancer, she travelled coast-to-coast in the US as well as to Italy and Spain. This past October, she traveled with Scott and a few family members to London, England, and then explored all of Ireland. Whenever she had the chance, she always found a state or national park to hike. With cancer and on Hospice the first time, she water skied in the summer of 2022. Her “do whatever it takes” attitude to live was a testament to her faith, hope, and love. Diane’s faith carried her through the most difficult parts of her disease, and she always knew God was on her side. In March of 2024, UW Hospitals Carbone Clinic featured Diane’s story in their publication. Diane quoted that Carbone Clinic and their doctors gave her such hope: “I didn't just run with it, but I flew with it.” That drive was and continues to be an inspiration to all who hear her story.

Diane is survived by her husband, Scott; her daughters Laura (Casey) McCauley and Catherine Althaus; siblings Mary Ann Martinez, Harold Stilling Jr, Peter (Rebecca) Stilling, Peggy Schuenke, James (Maria) Stilling, Michele (Jim) Kieckhaefer, Sandra (Scott) Gorman, Cynthia (Chris) Gannon; 26 adored nieces and nephews and 50 precious great-nieces and nephews; and 100 year old father-in-law, Maurice Althaus.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her mother-in-law, Marian Althaus; her brothers-in-law, Tim Schuenke, Len Martinez, and James Talley; and sisters-in-law, Chris Stilling and Pam Althaus.

Family and friends can pay their respects on Wednesday, February 4 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Drive, Madison, WI. Visitation will continue on Thursday, February 5 from 9:30-10:30 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 South Owen Drive, Madison, WI, followed by an 11:00 AM funeral mass. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, or The National Park Foundation (NPF). Diane’s retirement wish had been to spend her time volunteering. Her family encourages you to volunteer in your community in her honor.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

608-238-3434