Paula A. Didier, nee Gustke, 48, of West Bend, passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at the Aurora VNA Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa.
She was born on July 5, 1959 in Laona, Wisconsin to Roger and Audrey (nee Ripley) Gustke. On January 16, 1982 she was united in marriage to Jim Didier at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Mosinee.
Paula began her 19 year career in materials engineering at J.I. Case in Wausau. She then moved on to Praxair Surface Technologies in Appleton, where she continued to hone her engineering skills. In 2001, Paula began work with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company at the Product Development Center in Wauwatosa, where she remained until her death.
Paula enjoyed spending time with her family at the cottages in Minocqua. She was also fond of trips to Bayfield. Paula was also an avid quilter and liked to take motorcycle rides in the country side. Of all the things she did well, she was the best and most proud of being a mom to her children.
She is survived by her husband, Jim; two sons, Will Didier of Beaver Dam, and Cody Didier of West Bend; her parents, Roger and Audrey Gustke of Waupaca; a sister, Gina (Dan) Ricci of Onalaska; two brothers, Dana (Ronda) Gustke of Waupaca, and Boyd (Dorinda) Gustke of Merrill; her parents-in-law, Les and Marge Didier of Wauwatosa; three sisters-in-law, Leslie (Bill) Duyser of Wauwatosa, Mary Beth (Jim) Murray of Whitefish Bay, and Sally Didier of Hartland; three brothers-in-law, Steve (Julie) Didier of Waukesha, Chris (Lori) Didier of Mequon, and John (Jill) Didier of Wauwatosa. She is further survived by aunts, uncles, numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.
Paula's family offers a special word of thanks to the kind and caring staff at the MCW Froedtert Clinics and Hospital. You know who you are. God bless you.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 9 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 1025 S. 7th Ave., West Bend. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorials in honor of Paula can be made to:
Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center
Division of Neoplastic Diseases
FWC 3963A
9200 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53226