Diana P. Adams

Diana Pearl Adams, born August 8, 1944 in Duluth, Minnesota, aka "Lady Di", "Pearl Jr." "Rinso" and "Dum-Dum," died peacefully in her home on October 31, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. The youngest daughter of Kenneth Adams Sr. and Pearl Axelson Adams, Diana was preceded in death by both parents, and brother William Bill (Soapy) Adams, twin brother Dennis (Sudsy) and nephew Jim Sellman. She is survived by brother Kenneth Adams Jr., (Sako), sister, Judy Adams Sellman, (John aka Snix) nieces and nephews, Christine Adams, Carolyn Adams, Kris Adams Larson, Libby Adams Núñez, Michael Sellman, Jennifer Sellman Hermanek, and Brian Urevig, along with many other beloved family and friends. Praised by Diana as a "literal angel," she is also survived by longtime faithful friend, Theresa Wappes, who was blessed to have been by her side on her journey.

Diana spent her childhood days running around the neighborhood community of Lester Park, swimming in the river and Lake Superior. Di loved and played most sports (extremely well!) and enjoyed her paper route. Diana attended Duluth East High School and went on to have careers with Northshore Manufacturing in Duluth, Papermate Pens in Culver City, CA and Tool and Die in Minneapolis. Her skills also included driving for Purolator Emery Worldwide Courier, Courier Dispatch, and Stride Bus Company. In 1989 she was honored to be chosen to transport the Stanley Cup from the Duluth Airport to the Minneapolis Hilton. Wrapping up her many careers, she retired in 2011 where she had worked from 1997 as a Slot Attendant for Black Bear Casino. While there she earned the title of Employee of the Year in 2001.

Fiercely independent and adventurous, some of Diana's many passions included playing competitive softball and traveling to nearly all 50 states as well as Sweden and Norway. She also cruised the Caribbean and participated on a Windjammer cruise, which she absolutely loved! Di was known as Dr. Doolittle to many, aptly named for her incredible love and care for creatures great and small. Diana absolutely loved fishing, ice-skating, snow shoeing, gardening, camping…anything outdoors. She was famously a "Jill of all Trades", incredibly resourceful and a master at keeping vehicles running and maintained. Diana was a resident of Esko for 29 years, and dubbed, "The Mayor of West Riverside Road." A title well suited for someone who looked out for everybody.

A life well lived. She will be so missed.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care provided by St. Croix Hospice. In lieu of flowers, per Diana's wishes, please send donations to Animal Allies or St. Croix Hospice.

A celebration of Diana's life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until the 11:00 ceremony. Arrangements have been entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care.