Diane Lynn Mickelson, age 73, of Frazee, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, July 26, 2024.

Diane was born July 23, 1951, in Detroit Lakes, MN to Henry and Dorothy Billing. She grew up on the family farm north of Audubon and graduated from Audubon High School in 1969. After graduation, she enrolled in a cosmetology program in Wadena, and was later employed as a hairdresser in Detroit Lakes for a short time. She soon met her husband, Dean and they were united in marriage on September 18, 1971. Together they raised three children.

Diane joined Bethany Lutheran Church and was very active in various organizations throughout her life, including teaching Sunday School and becoming its Superintendent. She enjoyed singing in the choir and had a lovely voice. Diane was also a co-leader of a Girl Scout group in Wolf Lake, where she quickly learned that her curling iron should stay home on camping trips. She had a quick wit and was not afraid to laugh at herself or make a joke. Diane was an active member of the Wolf Lake Lions Club and was employed at different floral businesses including Yards and More, Floral Impressions, and Bloomers. It was the perfect fit as her love of flowers made her job satisfying and she had quite a green thumb. She also enjoyed meeting and visiting with customers.

She enjoyed watching her children and later grandchildren in sporting events and school activities. Some of Diane’s loves included cooking and baking; she made some of the best brownies on the block. She found much pleasure in entertaining company and would make every guest feel right at home at her house. Diane loved caring for pets and it didn’t take much to convince her to take in a stray critter. She also loved music and could often be found whistling, singing, or dancing in the kitchen. Most of all, Diane loved her family, and she adored her grandchildren. She spent much of her life putting the needs of others before herself. We will take comfort in all the special memories we shared with her as she was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandma.

Diane leaves her husband of 52 years, Dean; her children Jason Mickelson of Wolf Lake, Jeremy (Tracy) Mickelson of Wolf Lake, and Julie (Travis) Ekren of Breckenridge; a sister, Phyllis (Wayne) Johnson of Annandale; her grandchildren, Jack, Charlie, and Rudy Ekren, as well as nieces, nephews, and many other relatives.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Dorothy Billing, and an infant sister, Sharon Ann Billing.

The family deeply appreciates the staff at Essentia Health-Oak Crossing and Red River Valley Hospice for their care of Diane throughout her lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia, Posterior Cortical Atrophy, and Parkinson’s Disease.

Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 10th, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 52943 140th Street, Menahga, MN 56464

Visitation: An hour before the service

Burial: Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery, Menahga, MN

Memorials may be made in Diane’s honor to The Salvation Army or The Marshmallow Foundation in Detroit Lakes, MN

David-Donehower Funeral Home is assisting the family.