Diane L. Rachwitz (née Schatzer)

Diane Rachwitz (née Schatzer) entered the nearer presence of her Lord on November 7, 2024, at the age of 81. She faithfully awaits the hope of resurrection proclaimed in the Holy Scripture.

Diane was born on January 4, 1943, as the eldest of four children to Byron and Beulah Schatzer. In 1958, Diane met the love of her life, Jim Rachwitz, and they were married on May 26, 1962. From this union, two children were born. Diane and Jim led an active life, traveling extensively in the U.S. and abroad. Diane was a devoted mother who balanced a very busy career as a banking officer and director of communications. She never missed an opportunity to bring friends together and host wonderful, memorable parties. Diane was known for her impeccable sense of fashion and never left the house without looking her very best. In addition to fashion, Diane took great pride in her garden, home décor, and outdoor entertaining area. She was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bay City.

Immediate family members left to cherish her memory include her husband of 62 years, Jim Rachwitz; son Brian Rachwitz and his wife Melissa; daughter Kim Anderson and her husband Jay; grandsons Seth Rachwitz and his wife Allie, Joel Rachwitz and his wife Emily; and two great-grandchildren, Jack and Aiden Rachwitz, brothers Jeff and Byron, and sister Gaye and their immediate families. Diane is also survived by her sister-in-law, Deana Leinberger, and her husband Tom. She will be missed by many other family members and friends who she held near and dear in her heart.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 11, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 6100 Westside Saginaw Road, Bay City, MI 48706. Visitation will be held at the church fellowship area at 10 a.m. prior to the service. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

For those who wish to visit the family home, an open house will be held at Jim and Diane’s home at 5247 Crestway Drive from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the evening of November 11. Heavy appetizers and refreshments will be served.

Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church at the address above and marked for The Ministry Center. 

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all the medical staff and caretakers who supported Diane over the past couple of years and allowed her to maximize her time at home, which was precious to her.