DIANE RUTH (JOHNSON) NELSON

DIANE RUTH (JOHNSON) NELSON

     Diane Ruth (Johnson) Nelson, 81 of Black River Falls, passed away Dec. 2, 2024, while being lovingly cared for by her children, Pine View Memory Care Unit and Moments Hospice. She was born Sept. 8, 1943, to Selma (Olson) and Neil Johnson. She grew up in Northfield, WI, on the family farm with her siblings, Neulen, LaVerna, Virginia and twin brother Duane. 

     Diane graduated from the Hixton High School in 1961. After graduating, she remained on the family farm until she married David Nelson June 2, 1962. They started their family in Eau Claire and later moved to Hixton, WI. Diane was a devoted, loving and caring mother to five children. Homemaker, nursing assistant, cleaning business and childcare are roles that her children remember her having, but the most important to her was being a mother and grandmother. The love for her family was from sunrise to sunset. Cooking, gardening, crocheting, knitting and needle point were a few of her talents.

     She also had a love for music. In fourth grade her parents purchased her a clarinet. The school district music teacher would come to the Northfield Grade School periodically to give her lessons. She played first chair in the band all through high school. Her love for music continued and included classic county, gospel and she especially favored Elvis Presley, which took her on a trip to Graceland. Spending time with family, playing cards, reading and watching the Packers were moments that she enjoyed. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school. The Time for You program, provided by Jackson County Interfaith Caregivers, provided her many joyful moments and smiles. Diane treasured her pets who became beloved companions and brought her much comfort.

     Diane is survived by her husband, David; children Denise (Kenny) Krosinski, Darin (Debra) Nelson, Darryl (Marla) Nelson, Deanna Mellas and Deniel Wendegatz; twin brother Duane (Joanne) Johnson; sisters LaVerna Humphrey and Virginia Jones; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

      She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Neulen Johnson and granddaughter Taylor Mellas.  

     A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. 

     Diane’s loving and kind spirit will live in our hearts forever.