Dianne Elizabeth Dakich, age 75, passed away peacefully on March 18th, 2026 at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, her beloved husband, Rick, at her side.
She faced nearly a year of cancer with courage, a healthy dose of outright belligerence, gratitude and grace, early on embracing the mantra of Carpe Horam, “seize the hour.”
Born in Rochelle, Illinois on June 8,1950 to Louise M. Wright (née Flewellen) and John Dale Wright, Dianne joined her elder twin siblings, Gail and Angus (“Bud”), then ten. Even as a child, Dianne applied herself diligently at school, cultivating her love of words and ardent curiosity through books. She spent many happy summer days with her family at Lauderdale Lakes.
Dianne excelled academically at Rochelle Township High School, played flute, and contemplated life beyond the prairie while spinning Bob Dylan. When it came time to spread her wings, she chose Lake Forest College where she flourished for three years before completing her Bachelor of Arts in History at Northern Illinois University.
After her first job in Kentucky, Dianne circled back to Milwaukee to enter the University of Wisconsin School of Architecture and Urban Planning, fortuitously, as there she met fellow classmate Richard E. Dakich. The smitten architects married in 1986 and made for Chicago.
Steadfastly creative, Dianne built a career that began with architecture at Cone Kalb Wonderlich, segued into marketing for architecture at OWP/P Architects, and culminated in her work for TALASKE in Oak Park. At every tenure, her superb writing, wit, and intellect won her the abiding respect and affection of her colleagues and mentees.
All the while, Dianne and Rick, together, acquired and lovingly renovated houses, leaving historic neighborhoods– Berwyn and Edgebrook, Bayview and their Potter Lake community–all the more valuable for their industry.
In 2010, Dianne and Rick repaired full-time to their bungalow on Potter Lake, and for several years she worked at the Mukwonago Community Library when she wasn’t tending her gardens or kayaking with Rick, scouting herons and turtles and, her favorite, red-winged blackbirds.
Dianne took delight in the world at her feet and beyond, always sharing new pursuits or an upcoming adventure with a sparkle in her eye. Too numerous to name, her interests included writing, reading, sketching, watercolors, stained glass, gardening with native plants, yoga, crafting artisan cocktails, and walkabouts. She traveled widely with Rick–whether by raft, sail, or road–visiting friends and family, the National Parks, and foreign lands.
Dianne was preceded in death by her parents and her sweet dog, Hannah Dakich. In addition to her husband, Rick, she leaves behind her sister and brother, Gail Wright and Bud Wright; her sister-in-law, Debbie Dakich (& husband Doug Michalek); cherished nieces, Shelley Wright, Jan Hoff, and Jean Reeder; great-nephew, Alex; and countless bereft friends who will forever miss her vibrant laughter and astonishing smile.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all of the wonderful people at the ProHealth Care Mukwonago Cancer Center. Their care and compassion made Dianne’s journey a peaceful and loving experience. Thank you.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 18th from 12:00-2:00 pm at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, 930 Main St, Mukwonago, WI, 53149. In lieu of flowers donations to Angels Grace Hospice or the American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.
