Diane Kavajecz

Diane (Johnson) Kavajecz, was born June 7 ^th , 1939, to Helen (Soderquist) and Charles Johnson at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN, where she passed away peacefully on August 14 ^th , 2022. She had two siblings, Charlene (Johnson) Orr, and Ronald Johnson. Helen and Charles raised their family in the home they built by hand in Tripp, WI. They were sustainable before sustainable was cool, crafting every part of their home, their food, their community, and their family with Scandinavian wisdom. They grew masterful gardens, harvested two deer a hunting season, fly fished on the East Fork of the Iron River, kept honeybees, and canned their bounty to feed their family year-round. They helped their neighbors, danced with their friends, picnicked with their extended family, worked hard, sewed the latest fashions, respected nature, and supported each other; a lifestyle that many strive for today. From her roots, Diane learned many valuable skills that would build her into a wildly successful woman; humble, efficient, humorous, strong, stoic, kind, and able to bake a pie more delicious than Betty’s, in a flash. Diane would choose pie over any vegetable, at every chance, she ate too many as a kid, she would explain.

Diane became a mother at sixteen and was married in 1955 to Theodore Kavajecz. Leaving behind the simple life, and her childhood, they moved to Biwabik, MN, where her life story began. Diane went on to become the mother of six children: Rockie (Betsy) Kavajecz, Kim Kaz, Tracy (Scott) Uttley, Rebecca (Guy) Rossato, Paul (Katie) Kaz, and Sara Boots, but that wasn’t all. She became a beautician amid raising her first three kids, and then a business owner in McGregor, MN in 1966. She loved this time in her life and felt highly accomplished. She told stories of her favorite customer’s, the community, her youngest two riding their tricycles through the shop, and her developing friends. She went on to become a full-fledged entrepreneur when they were encouraged to purchase a motel and restaurant just down the road. The Town and Country Motel was the beginning of her career in hospitality in 1970, something that Diane was exceptional at. Her steadfast nature made her an outstanding bookkeeper, and anchor to a rapidly evolving family and business. Not only did Diane cook, clean, and keep the business steady, she ran a tight household. Never ceasing to amaze, home cooked dinner was on the table at 5pm daily, and no one would miss it.

They left McGregor in 1977 to move to Ashland WI, which was the thirtieth time she had packed and moved her family. There they purchased the fourth business they would own. Diane loved being a self-employed woman, employees became like family to her, and many became her friends.  Diane would never speak of her success but went on to become incredibly successful by working seven days a week until 2000, when she retired. She had owned over 20 businesses in her lifetime, not bad for a girl from the farm. Diane was a philanthropist; she gave money to children in need around the world from the moment she had enough to spare to the last days of her life. She donated to local entities and supported her church and served funeral lunches to give back. Diane was a humble servant to her community. She also became a savvy investor, but mostly in ways that she felt mattered. She invested in her retirement by building her dream house on Lake Superior where she would regularly encourage her kids to come for costume parties, beach barbeques, and of course happy hour. Diane was the Old-Fashioned Queen. She knew within one sip if you were a good bartender or not. That was not all she was known for--Diane was the greatest walleye fisher this side of the Canadian border, she caught them and cooked them with nary a word said. She smiled like a star’s twinkle in the night sky, bright and beautifully. She laughed as easy as water flows. Tears would stream when she laughed with her daughters, as she proclaimed, “oop, there she goes!” Her easy disposition and her homemade bread and sausage buns drew her sons and sons-in-law, daughter’s and daughters-in-law, and grandchildren--nine in total--into her kitchen, which was the heart of her home. And those cookies! She kept them in the freezer and smiled when you found them.

Diane was a quiet woman who could make you laugh with her unsuspecting irreverence and quick wit. If you had the chance to sit near her, you are still laughing. She had a deep love for animals, so much so, she would carry a mouse outside if they happened into her home. She was a gentle soul who lived a chaotic life.

Diane’s origins taught her to be steadfast, of great integrity, wholesomeness, and wisdom, an enriching legacy that her children and grandchildren, Luke (Laura) Kavajecz; Elsa (Zach) Kinler; Lea Christensen; Benton (Meg) Uttley, Spencer Uttley, Chase Uttley; Anthony Rossato, Mario Rossato, Gianni Rossato, were fortunate enough to witness. Her five great grandchildren, Jay, Nona, John, & Helen Kavajecz; Wallace Kinler; and Baby Uttley on the way, will see her through their grandparents, and the humble origins of her life will be carried on in them.

She is missed. We will raise a glass of Irish Whiskey in her honor, and hope that we can live out her legacy, and continue her generosity of spirit and personhood. We love you mom. Your favorite people, your kids.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, Friday, August 19, 2022, at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Belknap Street in Superior, and will continue until the 11:00 AM Memorial Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci as celebrant.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue in Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com .