Diane Florence Lauersdorf

Diane Florence (Ostrom) Lauersdorf passed away peacefully in her sleep and into the presence of her Lord and Savior on September 29, 2025, at the age of 87. She was born on April 24, 1938 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Diane was the daughter of Andrew Ostrom, who was born in Sweden, and Florence Evelyn (Ellyson) Ostrom, born in Iowa. She was also the stepdaughter of Floyd Laverne Wille.

Diane's first school was in Watertown, South Dakota, then she attended Elementary school in Milwaukee, WI. She graduated from High school in 1956 in Milwaukee, with Honors, after having been in a coma with Encephalitis in 1955 for 3 weeks, and later attended College at the National College of Chiropractic. She took correspondence courses through colleges and universities both in the US and in Canada, including learning Swedish for a trip to meet relatives.

Diane had many occupations throughout her life including working for Eastern Airlines at Midway Airport, then a Reservationist at Northwest Airlines, during which time she met her soon-to-be husband, Gerald Lauersdorf, who was working for American Airlines. She also held a variety of positions including working at a Mesmer’s Dairy store in Buffalo, NY, selling Avon in Canada, office work at a Chiropractor’s office, volunteering at World Vision as well as at a Telecare Crisis Center through a Christian organization in Toronto.

Diane's grandmother took her to a Baptist Sunday School up til age 7. Her grandmother sang and taught her many Christian hymns and songs, and even took her to tent revival meetings. Later she was baptized at age 11 in 1952, but had to sneak out of the house to meet the pastor of the local Lutheran Church in Milwaukee WI, who had interceded in prayer for her since her mother was opposed. She was confirmed in 1954 and went to a Christian Summer camp with her best girlfriend. She sang in church choirs for many, many years, including Lutheran churches in Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, Ontario Canada and Arizona. She also assisted with Sunday School in Buffalo, NY, Mississauga, Ontario Canada and Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

As a child, Diane helped churn homemade ice-cream on her grandparents’ farm. She enjoyed writing (recording her true short story at age 16 about her encounter with encephalitis, resulting in short term paralysis, and her healing through the help of God), dietetics, health and nutrition, as well as reading. She wrote for the school paper and was on the school yearbook staff. She had always been a “word” person, later in life enjoying the word game “Upword” with caregivers, including her husband Jerry of 65 years.

Diane was taught how to sew with a machine in high school, eventually sewing for her family. A friend of her best friend knitted a neck scarf for her, and she then taught herself knitting and crochet and went on to teach crochet to girls at a High School in Illinois, as well as crocheting baby blankets and sweaters for grandchildren and numerous afghans for her daughters. She enjoyed swimming and gardening, was a Girl Scout leader and often grew her hair out to donate to “Locks of Love”. Some favorites were the color purple, the lavender scent, salmon, licorice, carrot cake and puzzles.

Diane believed you do not need a degree or diploma, but you do need a listening ear, a caring heart and a sense of commitment, and she was a committed prayer warrior. She would often say “Aging ain’t for sissies,” and showed such grace and strength and thankfulness throughout. Towards the end when things got even tougher, she never complained and always said “Thank you!” for even the smallest most insignificant things done for her. After all her travels she has now moved on to be with her Lord, and she will be greatly missed by her loving husband, four daughters, ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren, their spouses, as well as church friends, neighbors, caregivers and more!

Diane is survived by her beloved spouse, Gerald Alan Lauersdorf. She was a devoted mother to her daughters, Debra (Bob) Roberts, Robin (Rick) McAllister, Wendy (David) Wright, and Cindy (Bob) Gray. As a loving Nana, she cherished her grandchildren: Amanda (John), Jessica (Nick), Kaitlynn (Pete), Melanie (Matt), Jamie, Sarah, Rachel, David, Elijah, and Maya. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Chase, Charlotte, Kaiden, Zoe, and Sophie. She is also survived by her half-sisters, Leilani Oralee Wille (Mariotti) and Luana Wille (Dembiec).

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 9th at 11:00 am at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 800 W Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225. For those who would like to donate please make them in Diane's name to Epiphany Lutheran Church.