Mankato, MN - Diane Irene Fetzer, 74, of Mankato, MN, passed away peacefully at her home on August 22, 2025.

Diane was born on December 22, 1950, at the Rosebud Community Hospital in Winner, SD, to Howard and Darlene (Maier) Nielsen. God made her His own child through the blessing of Holy Baptism on January 1, 1951, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner. She was confirmed in her faith on April 3, 1966, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hamill.

Diane spent most of her childhood in Hamill, where her parents owned the Mobil gas station. During high school, she boarded in Winner and graduated from Winner High School in 1969. She attended Southern State College in Springfield, SD, for one year, and then Stewart School of Cosmetology in Sioux Falls, where she earned her cosmetology degree.

On December 28, 1974, Diane married Eldon Fetzer, and together they raised their two children, Denice and Dennis, on their farm southeast of Colome. Diane devoted much of her children's younger years to sharing her faith through teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, often reminding those she met of the mercy of God's grace. She also nurtured her creative side through photography and drawing whenever possible. Life on the family's busy dairy farm kept her occupied with many responsibilities, and she was blessed to share them with her mother-in-law, Margaret Fetzer, who lived on the farm and faithfully helped with harvest, canning, and countless other tasks until her passing. Diane also maintained a large, meticulous garden and planted hundreds of trees that now stand as living reminders of her dedication.

After Eldon entered Heaven in July 1996, and following the passing of her parents, Diane chose to move to Minnesota in 2008 to be near her daughter and grandchildren. She made her home in New Ulm for many years before health concerns led her to Water's Edge Assisted Living in Mankato, where she lived until her passing.

Diane is survived by her daughter, Denice (Eric) Woller of Mankato, MN, and their children Rylee, Olivia, Claire, and Bridger; her son, Dennis Fetzer of Alpena, SD, and his children Ethan, Emma, and Emily; her brother, Larry (Pat) Nielsen; and nephews Bob and Clint. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon, and her parents, Howard and Darlene Nielsen.

A prayer service will be held Thursday, September 4, at 9:30 a.m. at Water's Edge Assisted Living in Mankato. Her funeral service will be Saturday, September 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Colome, SD.