A Mass of Christian burial for Diana Louise Hansen will be held, at 10:30 am, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. Visitation will take place, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, on Tuesday January 14, at St. Joseph parish center with a rosary, at 6:45 pm, and a scripture service at 7:00 pm. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Milford at a later date.
Diana Louise, daughter of William and Helen Bonnstetter, was born on March 2, 1943, in Whittemore, Iowa. Diana shared stories of barn dances, gardening, and the reality of farm life and how it shaped her. She attended Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona, Iowa, and was part of the first graduating class in 1960. She furthered her education in Des Moines, Iowa, where she received her license as a hair stylist. At the young age of 18, she began her own business called Diana’s Cut Curl Beauty Shop in Algona.
While Diana was working at her salon, Dirk stopped in for a haircut. Diana knew he was the one and the story of their life began. Diana and Dirk were united in marriage on June 4, 1964, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona. Dirk and Diana had a vibrant life together with their five children in Omaha, Nebraska. They enjoyed what city life offered and eventually purchased a cabin in Okoboji, Iowa, for weekend getaways. They enjoyed Okoboji so much that they made Wahpeton their permanent home. This move fulfilled their dream to raise their kids in a small town.
Diana deeply enjoyed years of being a homemaker. When she began working again, she found herself back to styling hair. She was passionate about her work and maybe more so about the connection that she had with elders in their final days. On weekends, “Grandma Bubbles” would set up a booth at the Farmer’s Market selling pepperoni bread decked out in an apron and chef’s hat.
There were many decades of hosting family gatherings with extended family. She cherished these moments with family and friends. Great memories were made and will forever be carried in our hearts. If you knew Diana, you would continue to feel the warmth in her hug and the joy so evident on her face.
Diana expressed gratitude for the life she lived. Even in the hardest times of caring for her husband, that was exactly what she wanted to do. Her energy and presence to know her grandchildren was inspiring. She was most proud to be a caretaker and a homemaker and was able to fulfill this dream, full circle, in caring for the youngest grandchildren up to the day she passed.
Diana had a beautiful soul with the kindest and most loving heart. She never met a stranger and had the “gift of gab”. She had a zest for life and a loving heart. Her smile lit up the world and it will never be the same. We will all remember this angel that touched our lives forever. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. May her smile brighten Heaven while her love continues to guide our hearts.
Diana was a member of St. Thomas Moore and St. Margaret Mary’s Parishes in Omaha, as well as St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. Diana was a woman of faith from the day she was born until the day she passed. Her unwavering faith in the Lord was visible and constant.
Diana passed away in peace on Monday, January 6, 2025, at her home, at 81 years of age.
She is survived by her children, Renee Hansen-Sypal (Lyle) of Bellevue, Nebraska; Christine Mulligan (Randy) of Woodbury, Minnesota; Scott Hansen (Tonja) of Woodbury, Minnesota; Heather Herzog (Eric) of San Antonio, Texas, and Jonathan Hansen of Wahpeton, Iowa; grandchildren, Meghan, Madison and Myah Mulligan, Ellie, Abigail, Nate and Will Hansen, Helena and Anna Herzog, and Haizley and Dove Hansen. She is also survived by her sisters, Debbie Londin (Dave) and Mary Salerno (Joe); her brother, Mark Bonnstetter (Michelle); sister-in-law, Vicki Steil and brother-in-law, Lynn Hansen; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Helen Bonnstetter, and her husband, Dirk Hansen.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
