Diane Marie VanValkenburg

Diane Marie VanValkenburg obituary

Diane Marie VanValkenburg

Diane VanValkenburg Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jul. 4 to Jul. 5, 2011.
VanValkenburg, Diane Marie Age 64, of Golden Valley. Diane joined her son, Jake early Sunday morning, July 3, 2011. She died peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Diane grew up in New Hope; attending St. Raphael's Catholic School and graduated from St. Margaret's Academy in 1964. She devoted her life to the faith formation of children. She served for over 25 years in this capacity at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Medina. Diane loved to entertain family and friends. Her home was the hub for family occasions and her meals were seasoned with the love she had for bringing people together. Diane's beautiful gardens were a reflection of her own personal style. Anyone who saw her color combinations, various patterns and crazy socks knew that this was an extension of her joyful personality. Diane was preceded in death by her son, Jacob Robert VanValkenburg and her father, Robert Pence. She is survived by her sons, Jon Pence VanValkenburg (Jill), Joshua David VanValkenburg (Kimberly), daughter-in- law, Laura VanValkenburg (Kevin Winneroski); grandsons, Jackson and Jordan; granddaughter, Ava; mother, Anne Pence; sisters, Carole Miller (Don), Ellen Pence (Amanda), Fran Myran (Rick); brother, Dr. David Pence (Candice) and many loving nieces and nephews. Visitation and Reviewal 5-7 PM Wednesday with 7 PM Prayer service and sharing of memories at the Church of Holy Name of Jesus, 155 Cty Rd 24 in Medina. Mass of Christian Burial 4 PM Thursday with visitation 1 hour prior at the Church of Holy Name of Jesus. Interment Holy Name Cemetery with dinner to follow. Diane requested that no flowers be sent. Children have made a spiritual bouquet of flowers for her burial and to her there are none more beautiful. Memorials to Holy Name of Jesus Scholarships for Youth Mission Trips or to donor's choice. Gearty-Delmore Plymouth 763-553-1411

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Sign Diane VanValkenburg's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 28, 2024

Jeanne posted to the memorial.

June 28, 2020

Jeanne Drazkowski posted to the memorial.

June 28, 2019

Mike McShane posted to the memorial.

Jeanne

June 28, 2024

I was one of Diane's projects, she wanted to help me. She did help me and I am grateful for her attention. She is now one of God's colorful angels. Love you and miss you. J

Jeanne Drazkowski

June 28, 2020

Always loved and always missed, J Drazkowski

Mike McShane

June 28, 2019

Diane was one of the really fun and genuine Moms to three great sons. We spent a lot of time over the years with the boys. I am sure she is missed each day by the family. Fond memories of her.

Deb Johnson

July 11, 2011

Diane was a wonderful teacher and friend. I learned so much from her over the years working with her at Holy Name Faith Formation as my children were growing up. Her love of children and God were ever present and she taught me so much about myself as a parent. She touched our hearts and the children loved her. Even as she weathered the bad times, Diane was a strong and faithful servant. Diane, you will be sadly missed, but I know that you are happy and with Jake.

We will never forget you!!

Deb, Cary, Amanda, Courtney, Rebecca & Matthew Johnson

July 9, 2011

Sorry forgot to sign my name.
Sandi Budolfson Wayzata, Mn

July 9, 2011

Sending sympathies. As I think of Diane I have great memories of hockey seasons. Not only her sparkle at games and her love for all the players, but how she cooked breakfast for (peewee) players, but also having the hockey moms over for get togethers. Family, hang onto your good memories.

HEATHER JOHNSTON

July 8, 2011

IT HAS BEEN YEARS SINCE DIANE AND I WERE NEIGHBORS, YET, I STILL SMILE THINKING ABOUT HER. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON ALWAYS THINKING OF OTHERS. MORE THEN ANYTHING, DIANE WANTED CHILDREN AND THEN HAD THOSE THREE GREAT SONS!! SHE WAS AN EXCEPTIONAL WOMAN, SHE WILL BE MISSED.

Jeanne Drazkowski

July 8, 2011

Just when I thought that Diane had given her all, she gave us a service that was simple yet profound. It was beautiful and the tributes were spot on.
It was a honor to know you, Diane, and an honor to attend your funeral mass.
Jeanne D

Katie Coleman

July 8, 2011

Dear JP, Josh and families,
I wanted to express my deepest sympathy to you and your families. Such a remarkable presence your mom was. I can’t imagine how much you must miss her.
Thinking of you.

Carole McShane

July 8, 2011

JP and Josh, I have such fond memories of my times with Diane. She was a dedicated Mom to her boys, and a dear friend to many. My thoughts are with you.

Lorraine Macintyre

July 7, 2011

Diane welcomed my husband and I to her home for Christmas day 2010 with Ellen and the rest of the family. She cooked an amazing meal and made sure everyone was enjoying themselves and involved in the games that day. Eunan and I wish to send our condolances to the whole family and hope that you have fond memories of Diane to help now and as time goes on.

Ben and Leslie Frye

July 7, 2011

To the VanValkenburg and Pence families, we're truly sorry for your loss but the thought of Diane's faith, ever present smile, and her reunion with Jake brings us comfort. She was truly a wonderful woman with a heart of gold and she will be deeply missed.

July 7, 2011

Our condolences to the entire family on the untimely loss of Diane.
I remember well the fun we had at her wedding reception in NE Minneapolis years ago. The polka dancing was wonderful and Diane was able to dance with her father. It was a very good time. I know she will be sorely missed by all of you.
Jim and Gail Van Valkenburg

cain pence

July 6, 2011

Diane was the twin sister of my father, David. When we were kids and my father was working his way through med school, Diane made sure we all got Christmas gifts. Decades later, whenever one would leave her home after a family gathering it would be with a big plate of food. She lived the Catholic notion of "better to give than to recieve" and showed generosity to all her many newphews and nieces from the days we were born. A candle was lit in her memory today at a Catholic Church in NE Mpls...a candle will burn in Heaven with her presence.

July 6, 2011

J P, Josh and the families Van V and Pence-- may I send regrets and yet blessings to you and yours in the loss of lovely Diane. I remember meeting her and her parents when she was a young lady and enjoyed her company through the years.
We can all be thankful for the wonderful memories of her life.
Great Aunt Ardys Van Valkenburg. Palm Desert, CA

Mary Maki

July 6, 2011

23 years ago I met this fireball of enthusiasm and energy in Holy Name School's hallways, who seemed to be able to talk me into anything! But I never ducked when I saw her coming, but happily prepared myself for the next project! My daughter, Meghan and I have such funny, sweet memories of dear Diane. Our sympathy and prayers to all of the family....and to all of us who will miss her terribly.

Michelle Ott

July 6, 2011

I was fortunate enough to know Diane through her sister Carole and was always struck by her smile and sense of humor. Carole's stories of Diane's last days have made me laugh and cry, and made me realize how important one's place is on the earth and how we can touch so many others by the legacy we leave through our actions. My heart goes out to her family during this difficult time.

Marybeth Basten

July 6, 2011

JP, Josh and Family,

Our sympathy and prayers are with all of you. Even though she was a little person, Diane will be God's Biggest and Best Angel!

Love,
Marybeth, Brett and Scott Basten and Family

Jackie Fallenstein

July 6, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. What an amazing woman Diane was. A true angel among us.

We are blessed for knowing her and grateful for her loving care of our children. We will remember her always.

Sarah Donelan

July 6, 2011

Thinking of you all during this very sad time. From our family to yours. The Merz's

Carol and Katie Rekow

July 5, 2011

Diane and Vacation Bible School at Holy Name of Jesus - can't think of one without the other. We were fortunate to have been a part of those summer highlights. It was a time of sharing another great experience between me and my daughter and twenty years later there are still the memories and flashbacks of seeing Moses in a basket floating among the cattails and reeds, costumes, arts and crafts of the time period, and even lunch was of the era. Because of you, ideas flowed and time and efort were generously given so that the children could be brought back to the time of Jesus. Thank you for all you did for the sake of the children.

Dave Almsted

July 5, 2011

Truly a wonderful lady that had such a big heart. There was never a dull moment with Diane. I will miss her greatly but the thought of her catching up with Jake makes me smile! All my best to the JP, Josh and family.

Becky Jaeger

July 5, 2011

To all the very many family members of Diane.....we all share your grief at the loss of physical presence of one of the most remarkable women who has ever lived! She will continue to live in all of our lives doing amazing things from heaven....I am certain she will save one of the the grandkids from drownding or another catastrophe! Diane has touched my life deeply as well as so many others.....especially the children who she led. Her presence will continue to be felt forever by all of us who loved her so much as she continues her work from above!!!

jeanne harding

July 5, 2011

On Thursday we will gather to celebtate Diane's remarkable life. She has touched the lives of so many of us and will leave her footprints on our hearts forever.

I know that we will see her in the sun that shines, the wind that blows and the beautiful snowflakes of winter. But mostly we will see her in the added brightness in the rainbows.

Joni and Greg Selle

July 5, 2011

A bright light dimmed on earth, but Heaven is experiencing fireworks! Diane is home! JP and Josh, your mother was one very special person. A true gem! She did so much for everyone. She was a fabulous person, mother, aunt, sister-in-law, and Godmother. Most of all, she was a fabulous friend. We owe her so much. She and Jake are smiling down on you and yours.
Heavens newest Angel will be shaking things up!

Tim Mattson

July 5, 2011

JP and Josh-

Our thoughts are prayers are with you and your families.

Tim and Courtney Mattson

Katie Ephardt- Olson

July 5, 2011

Dear Josh and family~ I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. I have always heard what a wonderful person she was. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Leslie Frye

July 5, 2011

What a special gal...she will be greatly missed. I smile at the thought of her and Jake being together again.

Judie Mitchell

July 5, 2011

Growing up across the street from Diane was great fun and the memories are too numerous to mention. The hay rides on my Dad's wagon of bales, hamburger fries on the steel plate in our yard, up north at Bobby's cabin for our long weekend. So much fun and fond remembering... and it keeps her love for life alive in our hearts. May God Bless you all, stay close to each other, remember her love and all the wonderful memories, and she will stay forever in your hearts. God bless you all at this time of great sorrow, you are in our hearts and prayers. Love, Judie and Joel

Ann Bruestle (Doherty)

July 5, 2011

When Diane was in Junior High and High School her favorite song to sing for her friends and anyone who would sit still long enough to listen was "Happy Talk" from South Pacific, She used all the hand movements from the movie and was consumed in that moment of song. I heard it so many times that everytime i hear that song I see Diane performing it for all of us. I am sure she has already found a captive audience in heaven and is entertaining at this moment. I will miss you. You have been an influence in my life.

Tammy Shutters

July 5, 2011

Diane was one of the most sweet and vibrant souls that I have ever meant. The thought of her has always made me smile and will continue to do so. It was an honor to know her.

Jeanne Drazkowski

July 5, 2011

If a life is measured by the love given and received, Diane's life was full beyond measure. I will miss her, my heart is broken. I also know that I will see her in heaven because she is one of God's brightest stars.

July 5, 2011

i loved working with Diane in the RE program at Holy Name. She was always so happy and fun to be around.
My husband still talks about the spicy lasagna she brought over when i was going through breast cancer; he loved it!
She will be dearly missed, she was our ray of sunshine.
our love to her family,
edie rhombs

Mike McShane

July 5, 2011

To: JP, Josh and family. Diane was such a fund person to be around and so dedicated to you and the family. Great Hockey Mom too. She will be missed by all her knew her. Take good care and our prayers will be with you.
Mike McShane

Dave Taylor

July 5, 2011

Lost one of the very best there ever was. Loved by all.

Stephanie (Johnston) Skrivseth

July 4, 2011

I loved Diane she took care of me a lot when I was little. She was a wonderful light and a great spirit she was fun, energetic and always knew what to say to make you smile. She was a wonderful person. I am so sorry for her children and her family.

July 4, 2011

We loved diane greatly. She was the best neighbor and friend.

the Manaro's

Angela Bernhardt

July 4, 2011

Diane was such a joy to see at HNOJ religion and she will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Elizabeth Koltes

July 4, 2011

I loved Diane alot she and I and her grand kids went to a movie called rango

Elizabeth Koltes

July 4, 2011

Diane was an upbeat person we both had nicknames for each other mine was precious cargo and hers was precious pilot she would always give Larry Gleason a hard time especially Rosemary Gleason she would always push Larry's walker with him on it she would always park on the curb I loved her a whole lot

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Sign Diane VanValkenburg's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 28, 2024

Jeanne posted to the memorial.

June 28, 2020

Jeanne Drazkowski posted to the memorial.

June 28, 2019

Mike McShane posted to the memorial.