Diane Pederson

The memorial service celebrating the life of Diane Pederson of Menahga, will be held at 11:00a.m. on September 12, 2025, at RELAYT Church (formerly First English Lutheran Church) in Menahga, MN. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. Lunch will be served following the service. Burial will take place at a later date in Menahga Cemetery. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Livestreaming will be available by acessing the church's YouTube or Facebook page approximately 10-20 minutes before the service begins. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Diane Lee Pederson, age 87, of Menahga, MN, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025. A woman of steadfast faith, Diane lived with confidence in her salvation and the assurance of her place in Heaven. Born on August 30, 1937, in Adrian, MN, Diane was the daughter of Albert and Thelma Stomberg. She grew up with her siblings Durlyn, Keith, Steven, Rose, and Mark. The family moved from Adrian to Rapid City, SD, for a couple of years and, in 1946, settled in Menahga - a community that would remain Diane’s lifelong home. On May 18, 1956, Diane married Ralph Pederson, the love of her life. They built a home on Stocking Lake, raised three sons - Jeffrey Dean (Cindy), Jerry Dale (Carla), and James Durlyn (Ruth Ann) - and shared 48 years of marriage until Ralph’s passing in 2004. Diane was a full-time stay-at-home mom, devoted to her family and cherishing her role as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In 1994, Ralph and Diane moved to a new home in Menahga. After Ralph’s retirement they traveled, golfed, and enjoyed their grandchildren. Ralph passed away after a battle with ALS on May 23, 2004. Diane faithfully cared for him throughout his illness and carried his memory with her every day thereafter. “Grandma Diane” was an unending source of love, silliness, support, and encouragement for her grandchildren Aaron, Tyler, Kristin, Jason, Jennifer, and Daniel. No one could make up a story, cheat at a game, jump on a bed, dress up for fun, bake a treat, host a tea party, or simply play, play, play quite like Grandma. As the grandchildren grew, every friend, girlfriend, boyfriend, partner, and spouse was welcomed. She was Grandma to all! Diane cherished every visit, video, photo, and story about her family, especially updates on her great-grandchildren Isaiah, Selah, Carter, Ingrid, and Finn. She often reminded everyone that they all lived too far away from her! The Menahga community was very important to Diane, and she gave generously of her time and talents throughout her life. For many years she volunteered for over a thousand hours in the nursing home beauty shop, bringing joy to residents with her hairstyling and caring presence. She was active in her church, faithfully attending Bible studies and serving on prayer chains, always lifting others up in faith. She especially loved holiday baking - her lefse was a family favorite - and she delighted in sharing her baked goods and meals with friends, family, and neighbors. Cooking and baking were not only her gifts, but her way of showing love. Known for her listening ear and gentle wisdom, Diane was a constant counselor and source of encouragement to many. Whether visiting with friends or offering comfort in times of need, she shared her heart generously and left a lasting impact on those around her. That remained true after her move to Woodside Manor in 2016, where her circle of friends included anyone walking down the hall or attending an activity. Diane’s door was always open! Diane was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, father Albert, mother Thelma, brothers Durlyn and Steven, and infant sister Marcia. Diane leaves behind countless family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones who will miss her dearly. Her legacy is one of love, welcome, acceptance, and joy. Memorials are preferred to Woodside Manor Memorial Fund, Menahga.

Diane Pederson

August 30, 1937 - July 27, 2025