Doloris “Dee” Mae (Diehl) Gray, 94, Platteville passed away peacefully on August 29, 2024 in her home surrounded by family. She was born on April 25, 1930 in Sauk City to Reinhart and Clara (Fuchs) Knuth, and later adopted by her aunt and uncle Raymond and Laura (Fuchs) Diehl.

Dee graduated from Sauk City High School in 1948 and went on to Platteville Normal School where she graduated in 1952 with a degree in elementary education and minor in physical education. She accepted her first teaching job in New Glarus, WI and taught there for a few years. She returned to Platteville and taught in Belmont, Livingston, Fennimore and Lancaster before taking a position in the Platteville Public School system teaching kindergarten at Westview Elementary. She earned her Masters in Education degree from UW-Platteville. Over her 40 years of teaching, she touched the lives of many students and families in the Platteville area. Upon retiring from teaching she continued to support education and teachers by working with other retired educators to start the Platteville Area Retired Education Association. Dee was also an active community and church member participating in several organizations: Foreign Foods, Girl Scout leader, PEO, United Methodist Women, Sunday school teacher and church bell choir. Dee's greatest joy in life was watching her family especially her grandchildren grow and spending time with them. Countless road trips, singing John Jacob Jingle Hiemershmidt, reading books, playing Candy Land, Uno and later playing a friendly game of cards.

Dee is survived by her four children, Michael Gray of Platteville, Carla (Tom) Rawson of Richland Center, David Gray of Platteville, Denice (Pete) Koss of Green Bay; seven grandchildren Sean Matthews, Jessica (Joe) Kotek, James Rawson, Jacqui (Justin) Crull, Laura (Nathan) Kemp, Morgan Koss, Matthew Koss; five great grandchildren Liam Matthews, Jade Matthews, Ella Kotek, Ethan Kotek and William Crull; former sister-in-law, a niece and two nephews.

Dee is preceded in death by her birth and adopted parents, former brother-in-law, grandson, ex-husband: the father of their children and a niece.

Friends may call the Platteville United Methodist Church, 1065 Lancaster Street, on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Funeral service to follow the visitation at the church with Pastor Tammy officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Sauk City Cemetery. Melby funeral home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.melbyfh.com.

In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund has been established. The family would like to thank Dr. Runo and the UW Health Pulmonary Clinic as well as everyone at Agrace Hospice for their loving care and compassion given to Dee.

Doloris Gray

April 25, 1930 - August 29, 2024

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