Diane Mary Drexler

God called Diane Mary Drexler (Stadther) home on January 28, 2026 at the age of 89.

She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Diane was born to Dolores and Norbert Stadther on Aug 31,1936. She was raised in St. Cloud, MN with her younger siblings Judy and Tom.

Diane met her beloved husband Charlie on a blind date at the Bloody Bucket in St Cloud. Three years later they were married on June 7th 1958. They moved to Litchfield MN where Charlie started a practice in General Medicine and they had three daughters in RAPID succession! A specialty in Radiology caused a move to Rochester MN where a 4th daughter was born. There is no question who was working harder at that time!! In 1966 the family moved to Duluth where shortly after their son was born and their family was complete.

Diane’s life was filled with family, community, friends, and faith. Diane would say her greatest legacy was her children, grand, and great grandchildren. She was a mom first, a counselor, and a friend. They knew they were loved and could always count on her for support. As a family they camped, went skiing, fished, picked raspberries, went on vacations, and eventually settled at their family cabin in Wisconsin. Diane made family reunions, holidays, and smaller family gatherings magical. She planned things out to the most minute detail, even when the family grew from 7-50!

Diane spent countless hours volunteering. She started at Holy Rosary School but as her children grew her volunteering expanded throughout the community. She worked funeral lunches at the church, helped at church rummage sales, counseled at Birthright, was a member of the medical auxiliary and kept records for the Gingerbread House. Whether it be a wedding, a small fundraiser, a large gala, a group trip across Europe, or a bridge luncheon, she would pull it together with ease.

Diane was fortunate to have had many great friends. They played countless hands of cards, camped, travelled the US and Europe, attended dance club events, but most importantly they were always there for each other.

Her family is comforted by the deep faith that she and Charlie instilled in them. They believe that she is now reunited with her beloved husband and all the family and friends who have gone before her.

Diane is survived by her children, Ann Lenz(Jay), Karen Benson(Steve), Jane Rhodes(Mark), Barb Luzum(Mike), and Mark Drexler(Debbie); 18 grandchildren; 14 (and counting) great grandchildren; sister, Judy DeGolier; sisters-in-law, Kathy Stadther and Susie Lupo; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Charlie; parents, Norbert and Dolores Stadther; her in-laws, Joseph and Josephine Drexler; her brother, Tom Stadther; brother-in-law, John Lupo; grandson, Joseph Lenz; and many many dear friends.

We would like to thank her care giver turned friend, Connie; the staff at Ecumen rehab, where she spent the last five months; the staff at Ecumen assisted living; and Ecumen Hospice for the kindness and care they gave to our mother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Friday, February 13, 2026 at The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, 2801 E 4th St, Duluth, MN with a Visitation beginning at 10am.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Stella Maris Academy Holy Rosary Campus, the Women's Care Center, or volunteer anywhere you are needed in Diane's honor.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home 218-727-3555.