Joyce “Diane” Aakre, age 78 of Redwood Falls, was received by the good Lord into His glorious Peace on Sunday, February 19, 2023 while surrounded by family. In the blink of an eye He cast off all of her pain, anxiety and suffering in this world and replaced it with the Light, Love, Peace and Truth that she has found now and forever in the presence of the Lord. Hallelujah! Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 11 at First Presbyterian Church in Redwood Falls. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. 

Diane was born in Mankato to George and Hope (Graves) Bateman on March 18, 1944. She was baptized and confirmed in the First Presbyterian Church in Mankato. She graduated from Mankato High School. On April 30, 1966, Diane was united in marriage to Richard Aakre at the First Presbyterian Church. She continued working at the Mankato Clinic for a short time after their marriage. They moved to Redwood Falls and Diane became a full time homemaker. As a member of the First Presbyterian Church, she joined the Dorcas Circle, taught Sunday school and was co-chair of the funeral committee for many years. Diane was a caller with Western Community Action. She enjoyed cross stitching, knitting and especially shopping with family and friends. There were many who called Diane “Aunt” but she was more than an Aunt. Especially during difficult times, Diane would check in on them, always listening, comforting and praying for them. Diane loved Shelties and had many over the years.

Diane is survived by her husband Richard, son Steven, siblings: Daryl, Michael, Terry, Rick, and Sherry Weiske, special friend Judy Curtis, and many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter Jennifer, her parents-in-law Harold and Harriett, and a sister-in-law Jeanne.