Waterford – Diane Schmidt, age 74, passed away at her home, on March 9, 2017. She was born to parents, Norbert "Bud" and Marie Polacheck in Milwaukee on December 29, 1942. Diane married Billie Young and were together for many years. When Diane was growing up, she would go hunting for elk, pheasant, and other birds with her dad.

Diane's main passion was animals. For 46 years, she ran J.D. Hide-A-Way Kennels and rescued many animals. She loved cats, especially Persian and Siamese breeds. Diane raised and showed many types of dogs, with the most recent being Corgis and Swedish Vallhunds. One of those dogs, Ayla, was awarded top bitch in the nation and was invited to attend the Westminster Dog Show. She also worked at Allen-Bradley for 38 years. Some other activities she enjoyed were horse riding and synchronized swimming.

Diane is survived by her loving husband, Billie Young; her daughters, Kathleen (Steven) Findley and Jennifer (Ron) Wolf; her grandchildren, Justin and Tyler Findley, Jackson and Isabella Wolf; her mother, Marie Polacheck; sister, Darlene (Gary) Lindsey; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Norbert Polacheck and brothers, Dale and David Polacheck.

Visitation for Diane's family and friends will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, March 16, 2017 from 4-7 pm. Funeral services will follow at 7pm. Burial will be held at St. Adalbert Cemetery in Milwaukee on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 11 am.

Any monetary donations received will be distributed to animal rescue shelters and humane societies.