Diane Irene Eriksen

Diane, age 78, of Woodbury passed away peacefully at home after suffering a stroke a week before. She left a legacy of faith and love. Her loud laugh and generous spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be 4:00 - 7:00 pm, Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Hope Church, 7910 - 15th Street N., Oakdale, MN. Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 am, Thursday, February 20th at Hope Church with visitation one hour prior. All are invited to a luncheon following service. Private interment will take place at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.  A link to the Livestream for the service will be available online here by Wednesday 2/19. 

Diane was born to Walter and Lillian Schnell in Sag Harbor, NY in 1946. The family later moved to North Babylon, NY where she grew up. She accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at Pinnacle Bible Camp the summer of 1958. She attended North Babylon High School and spent 2 years at Houghton College where she met some lifelong friends. She finished a degree in Business Administration from Suffolk County Community College so she could be close to home. She met the love of her life, Karl Eriksen, on a blind date and after 5 years of pursuit, they tied the knot on June 2, 1973. She worked at American Bell Telephone Company until Jill was born in 1980. Being told she wasn't going to have any children, she always called her daughters, Jill and Jessie, her miracle babies. She had a great time selling Tupperware for several years. When Karl accepted a job transfer with 3M, she moved to Cottage Grove, MN in 1986, where they raised their family. She and Karl moved into their Woodbury townhouse in 2012, and she enjoyed spending time with many wonderful neighbors.

Diane was the life of the party and told the funniest stories! She and Karl enjoyed many game nights with friends, hosting gatherings and family get-togethers, and inviting in anyone who needed a spot at their table. They were both actively involved in their church, and considered any coffee shop the mission field. Her hobbies were reading, taking walks with friends, shopping with her granddaughters, and spending time with family. Diane was a memorable lady who left quite an impression and touched the lives of many.

Diane is preceded in death by her mom, Lillian (Froehlich); dad, Walter Schnell; brother, Gary Schnell; father-in-law and mother-in-law Morten and Katherine Eriksen. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Karl Eriksen; daughters Jill (Alex) Sheppard, and Jessie (Ben) Albrecht; grandchildren, Meredith and Arthur Sheppard, Lillian, Harry and Sully Albrecht; sister-in-law Marla (Gary) Schnell and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to thank the neurology team of doctors and nurses at Regions Hospital, and especially the kind and caring nurses and staff on the HealthPartners hospice team. Your thoughtfulness and gentleness in helping us care for her is much appreciated.