Diane Medhaug
Diane Marie Medhaug, age 60, of Watertown, S.D., passed away at home surrounded by love on Monday, November 25, 2013. Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2013, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Watertown. The family is requested to meet at the church at 9:30 a.m. for a prayer service. Rev. Kent Stillson and Rev. Chris Matson will officiate. Music will be provided by A.J. Sherrill as organist, Muriel Carlson as pianist, the LCOOR bell choir, and The Ole Olson Trio.
Burial will be at Palestine Cemetery in rural Veblen. Honorary pallbearers will be: Tony Struwe, Emma Struwe, Steve and Joyce Anderson, Barb Struwe, Paula Davis, Conny Hope, Carol Fonken, Muriel Carlson, LuAnn Myhre and Ann Orton.
Arrangements are being handled by Crawford Funeral Chapel of Watertown.
Diane was born April 26, 1953, in Veblen, S.D., to T. Obert and Maxine (Aadland) Medhaug. She was baptized in the Nedaros Lutheran Church and was confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Diane graduated from Veblen High School in 1971. She continued her education at Black Hills State College in Spearfish. After graduating in three years with honors, she taught elementary school for three years at Sully Buttes School in Onida. Diane moved to Watertown in 1977 and taught elementary school for the Watertown School District for 31 years. Since retirement in 2008, Diane enjoyed reading, cooking, traveling, gardening, birds, relationships, supporting the Watertown Arrows and living life to the fullest.
As a lifelong learner, Diane inspired many groups to gather together. She was a member of two book clubs, gourmet club, canasta, cribbage club, Watertown Area Retired Teachers and Veblen American Legion Auxiliary. Diane was an active member of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer participating in the fellowship committee, bell choir, church council, welcome center host, and the funeral committee. Diane was instrumental in introducing many of her friends to Native American culture through her sister-in-law, Beverly. She has twice traveled to Norway to visit family, once with her brother, Reed, and a second time with her cousin, Conny.
Diane was an avid reader. She was a researcher and literary resource for book recommendations. The written word was well respected and her love of it inspired many. The teacher in Diane would instruct the living to be kind to your neighbor, to strive for success, and to keep hope alive.
Diane is survived by a brother, Cal (Bev) Medhaug of Mission, S.D., and many family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, T. Obert and Maxine Medhaug and one brother, Reed Medhaug.
Memorials may be directed to Prairie Lakes Hospice or Watertown Arrow Education Foundation for use in elementary libraries.