Diane Marie Espeseth born May 5, 1955, in Fosston, MN passed away suddenly Tuesday, November 5th, 2024 while vacationing in Mesa, AZ. Diane was born to Joseph Espeseth and Evangeline Marie (Howe) Espeseth. Diane is preceded in death by her father, mother, sister JoAnne McWilliam, her brother-in-law, Jan McWilliam as well as many other loved ones, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Diane is 1 of 6 children.  She is survived by her sister Sandra (Al) Kauppi and son Jamie (Brittany) Kauppi; brother David (Kang) Espeseth and son Michael (Angelica) Espeseth and daughter Brandy (Ben) Hammond; brother James (Debra) Espeseth and daughter Shayley Espeseth; sister Sharon (Lee) Jarka and son Jeremy Jarka.  Also surviving are: sister JoAnne’s daughter Terri (Pete Hoveland) Kroening; one remaining uncle Ronald (Renee) Howe and daughter Erin (Brent) Heemstra; and many additional special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.   

Diane spent most of her last 35 years with her best friend & sidekick, Gina (Randy) Frechette; as well as Gina’s family.  20 of those yrs. were with Grace Frechette (her God daughter) whom she loved like her own and traveled the country watching her play ball. 

Diane grew up in Erskine, MN.  She loved horses & rode all the time. She was a barrel racer and performed in many competitions. Whenever the carnival was in town, you would find her there, hanging with the Carnies. In high school, Diane played softball, basketball, volleyball and was in band & track. Graduated from Erskine High School in 1973. Her senior year of high school, Diane had a pivotal moment through her encounter with her new best and life-long friend, Janice (Cheney) Schow, who not only introduced her to Christianity and Jesus, but also encouraged her to consider exploring a Christian college. This encounter ended up being a significant step in Diane’s personal, spiritual, and academic journey. 

Diane went on to attend Golden Valley Lutheran College in Golden Valley, MN, where she also met incredible lifelong friends, Richard Heuer & Grace (Benson) and Joe Lambert. Her decision to attend GVLC changed the path of her life for the better, at GVLC is where she made her commitment to choose Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior & from then on, she lived & loved like Jesus, spreading His love to everyone she met. 

Diane was employed at Honeywell as a highly skilled Quality Engineer for over 30 years. She had many skills and taught herself anything she needed to know; she relied on no one but shared her knowledge with everyone that needed help. 

Diane’s passion was her family & her faith. She loved her family, especially her nieces & nephews. She just planned and attended an all-family reunion up north & had the best time.  She had the patience of a Saint. Diane attended every sporting event, concert, wedding, school activity she was invited to, and she always had her camera at hand taking photos & videos to share with everyone, capturing that perfect moment.  She didn’t miss a beat. Diane was one of a kind, a very good listener & helper. You could show up unannounced and she would make the time, and you could sit and talk for hours. She always made everyone feel so comfortable. Anyone that knew Diane loved her and she was loved by many. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need & did it with a smile & with love.  Diane’s motto was Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times” and she lived by this every single day. 

We will miss her forever. Until we meet again, Diane. We love you always.  

A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Diane on Saturday, December 7th, 2024,  

Visitation:  10:00 am & Funeral at 11:00am:  North Heights Lutheran Church 2701 Rice Street, Roseville, MN