Diane Karon Hilden, 63, of Duluth passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends Sunday, May 15, 2016 at Essentia St. Mary’s Medical Center. She was born to Gunnar and Edna Birch on June 19, 1952.
She was raised in Solway Township and graduated from Proctor High School. After high school she received her education from Votech and went to work for St. Louis County for 37 years, retiring on February 19, 2016.
Diane first and foremost, enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and grandchildren. Her second love was the Canal and her boat nerds. She often spent time photographing anything and everything. Her photos were featured throughout Duluth and have been used in many publications. Diane was very active in her community and was a member of the Propeller Club, board member of the Lake Superior Maritime Marine Association, Citizens Patrol, and so many more organizations. She also enjoyed golfing, Kayaking, and loon watching with friends. Diane was a beautiful woman and her smile would resonate through any room. She was known as a caring and loving mother, grandmother, and friend and her zeal for life impacted all those that knew her.
The family would like to thank Ben, Carol, Beth, Deb, and Marie for their beautiful friendship; Larry Lafave for honoring Diane’s last wishes; and Neuro Trauma ICU and Palliative Care for the excellent care Diane received.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gunnar and Edna; brothers, David, Donald, and Darrell Birch; uncle, Norman; and Cousin, Roger Nelson.
Diane will be greatly missed by her three children, Arlan (Wendy) Hilden of Munger, Angel Birch of Cloquet, and Amy (John) Engstad of Duluth; Larry Lafave; six grandchildren; and siblings, Vivian (Dave) Hamalainen of Ely Lake, Donna (Dean) Birch of Cloquet, and Daniel Birch of Munger.
Visitation: 2:00 until the 3:00 p.m. Memorial Service Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1325 N. 45th Ave. E., Duluth. Please leave a memory of Diane or words of support for her family at www.bellbrothersjarvidowd.com
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