A wonderful friend whom I have thought of so often in all the years that have passed.

For Criag, Marlys Axelson, and others who loved Mrs. Grau - 

She and I talked many times about the possibility of me becoming a teacher some day.  Last year, I had a the honor of tutoring 32 first graders over the course of the 2010-2011 school year at a Langauge Magnet elementary school.  It was a true joy, and I found myself countless times uttering phrases I remembered from my parents (yikes!) and my teachers.  

One of the memories of Mrs. Grau that I was actively using every day with my little ones was her seemingly never ending patience.  Her smiles and devoted attention to who ever it was she was talking with - whether members of church or students in her homeroom classroom.  

I posted a photo of one of my little girls in her classroom last year.  She was delight to work with, and I hope I impacted her a fraction as much as Mrs. Grau touched my life.

Dear Craig, Aaron and Bill:  

So sorry to hear of Diane's passing.  Our prayers are with you all.   Bless you all.

Dear Craig and family, 

Mrs. Grau was an incredible force in my life.  As one of her 5th grade students, I remember how hard she pushed me and how much I grew in her homeroom class.  As members of the same church, she embodied a warm and comforting spirit that I will always remember fondly from my time living in Duluth.  She was a powerful, wonderful, and sweet woman, and I will miss her.  

Love, Sarah Alworth

Dear Diane's family,
I rejoice that Diane is no longer suffering but truly share your loss. Know that you will have a blessed reunion in heaven.
Diane was my collegiate roommate at UWM.  I have many happy memories. I encourage you to bask in the marvelous memories that you  all shared 
God bless you now and always.
Jean Wiechmann

Craig and Family,

I only just now learned of your loss.  Know that you are in my heart and thoughts.  I hope you are surrounded by the love and support needed as you celebrate, remember and grieve your loss.

To Mrs. Grau's Family,

I'm increadibly saddened to learn of her passing. Mrs. Grau was quite possibly the best teacher I ever had for reasons to numerous to mention, but I'll share a few.

She encouraged me to wear my glasses when I was reluctant to do so, telling me that people who wore glasses were cool. 

(She also taught me the fact that otters are pretty cool, too.)

I'm fairly certain she picked my name out of a hat on purpose when it came to a) being one of two class helpers in fifth grade and b) letting me babysit Harry the Tarantula for the summer.

Mrs. Grau gave me the opportunity to volunteer in her class during my study hour in eighth grade. I had a great time helping out her classes and she passed her love of otters on to me. I still have Molly the Moose, a stuffed toy she gave to me at the end of the year, for good luck and to say thanks. I gave her some otter stickers and other otter related things. 

When asked to write a letter to someone who made a difference in my life as a senior in high school in 2003, I chose Mrs. Grau. I hadn't seen her for a few years but I just thought of her immediately when the subject for the letter arose. I let her know what I'd been doing since I last saw her, where I was working, what I was hoping to do for college. Where I was going to college. 

Here's the part I'll always remember: I had the opportunity to leave work early that summer before college. Imagine my surprise when I got home to see Mrs. Grau talking to my mom. I was going to go to college in Scotland and Mrs. Grau knew how much I love to read. She gave me “How the Scots Invented the Modern World.” (There was a higher power at work that day. Almost missed her by 10 minutes!)

Upon reflection, it was incredibly touching, and something she didn't have to do and I certainly never expected it. I just wanted the chance to say thank you for guidance and wisdom and friendship during those difficult middle school years. It's hard to realize what those things mean when you're a kid and I'm so glad I got the chance.

I want you, her family, to know that although she is gone, her passion for knowledge and life lives on in her students like me. The memories of her kindness, compassion and general all-around awesomeness continue to gambol through my life, like an otter in the river.

Dear Craig and Family,
We offer you our condolences and our prayers.  We fondly remember Diane as a gentle woman, who made both of us feel welcomed in Duluth and in the Department.  We have too few memories of her.

Dear Craig and Family,  We are so sorry to learn of your loss.  Diane was a truly unique individual.  Her memory will last with all who knew her.

Craig and Family,

We extend our sincere sympathy for the loss of your wonderful wife, Mom, grandma, etc.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time as you work your way through the many emotions and various activities related to Diane's death. As all of you know much better than any of the rest of us, she was a wonderful, classy, and loving person who will be missed by all who knew and were touched by her presence and wise counsel.

Tom & Mary Duff

Dear Craig and Family:

We were saddened to learn of the passing of your lovely wife, Diane.
She was a wonderful lady who always stood faithfully by your side.
Craig, you and I share many memories together at UMD.  Our spouses were always supportive and encouraging to us.  Now, your loved one has gone to be with the Lord, and someday you will be reunited.  May God put His arms around you and support you through this great loss in your life.
Please know that I will pray for you, and hopefully we can get together soon.

Blessings,

Phil & Jackie Coffman

First I'd like to send my condolences to the family.
 Mrs. Grau was my 3rd grade teacher (1988) and the only elementary teacher to ride my butt all threw the school year. You could say I was her "problem child" to the point of pink slips being sent home every day with details of how my day went. They say you never forget people like this and it's true. Although I do remember how hard she was on me, I am thankful that she was. Mrs Grau took the time to help me with my "issues" and those "issues" were gone by the end of the year. So thank you for being one that I will never forget:)

OBITUARY

Diane L. Grau

October 26, 1944 – October 26, 2011

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