Diane Marie Cook

Diane Cook of Pine City passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Little Canada at the age of 76.

Diane Marie Blazek was born November 17, 1943 to Edward and Lucille (Pangerl) Blazek in Pine City, Minnesota.  She was the oldest of 4 children and grew up on the family farm.  After graduating from Pine City High School she moved to St. Paul.  It was in St. Paul, Diane met Russ Cook; the gentleman who ended up being the love of her life and loving husband of 57 years.  On February 16, 1963 Diane and Russ were married; shortly after they bought their first house in White Bear Lake.  Together they had three daughters Patty, Debbie and Christy.  Diane enjoyed being a stay at home wife and mother.  In July of 1971, she and Russ opened their own carpeting business; North St. Paul Carpets.  Diane and Russ built a successful business which in return led them to winning numerous trips.  Both Diane and Russ loved to travel domestically and abroad; when time was available, they would take advantage and head out.  In the years prior to Diane getting ill, they would winter in Arizona. 

Diane loved to cook and bake and she was one of the best at it.  There was always a yummy treat at her house, she loved to entertain.  Diane did many catering jobs for weddings, graduations and Christmas parties.  She also did needle point, crocheting, knitting, gardening, and many craft projects.  Diane was always on the move, her house was always spotless.  One of her favorite joys was spending time with her family.  When the grandchildren were little, she would babysit every chance she got.  As they got older, she enjoyed baking with them and taking them on trips with her and grandpa. 

In 2014, Diane started to show signs of Alzheimer’s and had numerous little strokes.  In 2016, Diane had a major stroke and she fought hard to stay at home with the help of her husband and family.  In November of 2019, Diane moved into The Deerfield Alzheimer’s and Memory Care.  She continued living there until May 2020 when she was moved to her daughter’s home to be surrounded by loved ones until the day she became our angel.  The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to St. Croix Hospice staff for their commitment to Diane’s care.

Diane is survived by loving husband Russell Cook of Pine City; wonderful daughters Patricia (Ken) Olsonberg of Spokane, Washington, Deborah (Len) Kodluboy of Hudson, Wisconsin, Christine (Bryan) Davis of Little Canada; awesome grandchildren Shelby Olsonberg, Noah Olsonberg, Leah (Cory) Maxon, Robert (Claire) Kodluboy, Katie Kodluboy, Calley Kodluboy, Harley (Anna Rarick) Frederick, Brianna Davis, Cheyanne Davis; high energy great-grandson Christopher Maxon; siblings Roger Blazek of Rush City, Theresa (Wally) Linnell of Pine City, Don (Rosie) Blazek of Rush City; many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Lucille Blazek; sister-in-law Linda Blazek and step-father Max Chapin.

Chaplain Todd Carlson will officiate at memorial services for Diane: 2 PM; Saturday, June 20, 2020 at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City.  A time for family and friends to gather is planned from 4-7 PM Friday (6/19) and also one hour prior to the service at the chapel.  The interment will take place in Birchwood Cemetery in Pine City.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel.
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com