Dianna Spencer

May 6, 1944 - January 15, 2018

The Mass of Christian Burial for Dianna Spencer of Wadena, will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19, at the St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena, with Father Aaron Kuhn as celebrant. Visitation will be held at St. Ann’s Parish Hall on Thursday from 4:00 until 6:00, with a Rosary at 4:00 and Prayers at 5:00 pm. Visitation will resume at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Dianna, age 73, passed away on Monday, January 15, 2018, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Park Rapids, MN. Dianna Mae Henrich was born to Vincent and Dorothy (Berg) Henrich on May 6, 1944 at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Staples, graduated from Wadena High School and later attended a trade school. Dianna was united in marriage with Lyle Lee Spencer, of Huntersville, on October 26, 1963 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena. Along with raising their children, from the late 1960s and into the 1990s, Lyle and Dianna opened their home and hearts to many foster children who needed a place to feel loved. With all those people to care for Dianna didn’t crochet or knit, but she did treasure time spent with family and friends over a cup of coffee or tea. Observing nature and listening to the birds was another passion in her daily life. Her biggest and only real hobby was Seek-A-Word. Preceding Dianna in death were her husband Lyle on March 11, 2014; her parents Vincent and Dorothy; in-laws Stuart and Jenni Spencer; brothers-in-law Lynn Spencer and Dale Barnhart; sisters-in-law Bonnie Kreamer, Ann Strong and Donna Spencer Roiko; great-granddaughter Kaydience Linnes; and niece Colleen Hegg. Left with loving memories are her children Sherry (Lance) Linnes of Livingston, TX, Jenifer (Dexter Paulson) Hotakainen of Menahga, Cara Ruwersma of Fargo, ND, Russell Columbus of Minneapolis, and Stuart (Jenny) Ruwersma of Lester Prairie; grandchildren Lee Spencer, Emma Hotakainen, Pierce Paulson, Chani (Brian) Cormier, Lucas (Alisha) Linnes, Jordan (Jaquelyn Perrin) Marcussen, Aaron Ruwersma, Evan Ruwersma, Ashton, Aries, Alex, Andrew and Michael Ruwersma; great-grandchildren Kaelyn, Raeleigh and Paisley Cormier, and Lucas Jr. Abbygale and Addalynne Linnes, Mason Triplett, and Makenna and Max Riepe; siblings Kathy Barnhart of San Antonio, TX, Michael (Sue) Henrich of Winsted, and Vince “Vinnie” Henrich of Wadena; in-laws Dave (Gwyn) Spencer of Nashville, TN, and Larry (Mary) Spencer of Zimmerman; sisters-in-law Carol Spencer of Wadena; Paul Strong of Apple Valley and Ruth Sanders of Hopkins; and numerous nieces, nephews, along with well-loved foster children. Honorary Pallbearers are the staff and residents at Woodside Manor, Menahga, MN, and all the former foster children. Active pallbearers will be Brandon Henrich, Dylan Waln, Carter Wright, Dylan McManigle, Jeramy Ness and Keith Waln. Burial will be in the Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, MN.