Gretchen Louise Diegnau

1937 - 2025

On June 9, 2025, Gretchen Louise Diegnau passed peacefully at The Pillars in Lakeville, MN with loved ones by her side.

She was born on September 14, 1937 in St. Paul, MN to Gerritt (Larry) Deiters and Helen Lytle Deiters.

She is preceded in death by husband, Ronald Diegnau; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Nancy Deiters; and sister-in-law, Shirley Smith.

Gretchen was raised in St. Paul and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1955. She married Ron on June 21, 1958. They welcomed their son, Paul, in 1959 and daughter, Suzanne, in 1960; the year they moved to Rosemount, MN to raise their family.

She worked at a variety of jobs from cashier at Robert's Drug, manager of The Clothes Tree, receptionist at Lakeside Animal Hospital, teacher aide at Rosemount Elementary to 15 years as a senior secretary at Unisys/Lockheed Martin.

Gretchen was a loving mom, grandma, and great-grandma who cherished spending time with her family. She had the kindest, most generous heart and loved to have a good time! She never met an animal she didn't love and had many cherished dogs over her lifetime including Kirby an English Springer Spaniel and Gracie a long-haired Chihuahua. She cared about animal rights and donated to every organization from saving elephants to wild horses. Gretchen was a huge MN Twins fan and loved attending games at Target Field. The backyard of her home was a beautiful oasis for bird watching due to her lovely perennial beds that she tended with such care. In her younger years, she enjoyed golfing, bowling, leading Girl Scout troops, making crafts, and going "Up North" every summer to fish and swim with her family. After retirement, she was an active member of the Rosy Red Hats, planning many fun outings for her friends. She will be missed immeasurably.

She is survived by her brother-in-law, Lawrence Smith of W. St. Paul; son, Paul (Cindy) of Oakdale, MN; daughter, Suzanne (Bob) Wasiluk of Fayetteville, AR; grandchildren, Christine (Doohyuk) Kim, Jenna Wasiluk, Mike Diegnau, and Kelsie (Travis) Hull; two great-grandchildren, Amelia Hull and Isla Kim and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation 11:30-12:30 pm Friday, June 20th, followed by funeral service at Washburn McReavy Bloomington Chapel, 2300 W Old Shakopee Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Animal Folks Minnesota, your favorite local animal shelter/rescue, or to Operation Smile.