Diane Margaret Vander Venter

Diane Margaret Vander Venter passed away peace­fully Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, at Our Lady of Peace Hos­pice in St. Paul at the age of 63.

She was born July 5, 1958, to Bernard and Judy (Clevette) Vander Venter in Minneapolis.

Diane’s love of learning saw her attending Norman­dale Community College in Bloomington for Musical Theory. She later also took classes from Pine Technical College for legal secretary. She also earned a certifica­tion in medical transcrib­ing and became a Certified Nursing Assistant.

As a child, Diane started piano lessons after her older sister, Cathy, began them; Diane instantly caught on. After their teacher passed away, Diane continued to teach herself. This eventually led to her years of play­ing piano for multiple choirs, high-schools, churches, soloists, trios, etc., and for various events throughout the community and in surrounding cities, including the Heritage Players. She also touched the lives of numerous children through teaching them the joy of playing piano.

Diane had an intense love and dedication to serve her church; she was the church secretary for many years, and virtually “ran the church” when it was in between pastors. She also taught children’s Sunday school classes, and directed the children’s choir for a time, as well as multiple other ministries.

Her love of music was rivaled by her love for nature — enjoying gardening, keeping houseplants, and tak­ing walks — and was surpassed by her love for her family. Diane was happiest when spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Diane is survived by her daughter Shannan (Mat­thew) Gourley of Circle Pines; son Daniel Workman of Pine City; grandchildren Piercen Gourley, Eden Gour­ley, Lena Workman, Lubet Workman, and Ethan Car­penter; and siblings Jeff (Mira) Vander Venter, Cathy (Bob) Bjornoos, Patti (Pat) Emond, Sue (Brett) Carlson, and Jenny (Dan Fernholz) Green; numerous nieces and nephews.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents Bernard Blaise and Judy Ann Vander Venter.

Pastor John Stiles will officiate the memorial ser­vice for Diane at 11 a.m. Monday, (9/27) at Our Re­deemer Lutheran Church in Pine City. A time of visi­tation for family and friends will be held for two hours prior to the service, as well as a luncheon following the service, all at the church.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel

 www.FuneralAndCremationService.com