Diane Nelson

Goldfield – Diane Min (Cunningham) Nelson was born on October 31, 1948, in Long Beach, California, the daughter of Daryl Sr. and Jewell (Taylor) Cunningham. The family returned to the Cunningham family farm in Goldfield in 1956. Diane graduated from Goldfield High School in 1966, where she was active in softball, cheerleading, band, choir, basketball manager and was a student librarian. She then attended Bernel School of Cosmetology in 1967 and Iowa Central Community College in 1979.

On September 23, 1967, Diane was united in marriage with Dean E. Nelson, and they had three children, Lorell, Patrik and Deana.

Diane was an active member of Goldfield Presbyterian Church – where she served as an Elder, Sunday school teacher, Bible school teacher, After school and Highschool youth group leader, Christmas program director, choir member, Presbyterian Women, Sessions, Mariners, Friendship Circle and communion bread maker. She was also active in the community with the Women’s Club, Fountain City Days, Community Chest, Blue Birds, Wright County Extension Board, Hospice for Wright County volunteer and serving as a 4-H Leader. Diane and Dean were licensed foster parents, caring for children from 3 days old to 14 years old.

Diane had a variety of jobs outside her home: waitress, cosmetologist, sub in the school kitchen, Iowa Testing Labs, Meredith Corp, Target, Cheese Mart, raising Dalmatians and Pamida for 15 years.

Diane enjoyed reading, gardening, sewing, knitting, coloring, traveling (especially Alaska and Ireland), writing poems and most of all, spending time with her family.

Diane is survived by her husband, Dean Nelson of Goldfield; daughter, Lorell Nelson of Goldfield; son, Patrik Nelson (Ann) of Belmond; nine grandchildren: Bridgette Mahlstedt (Nick) of Waterloo, Heather Bailey (partner Lucas) of Mason City, Patrick Bailey of Draper, UT, Michael Bailey (partner Michaela) of Fort Dodge, Elizabeth Nelson of Plymouth, MN, Zachariah Nelson of Lakeland, FL, Aaron, Hailey and Ashley Sudtelgte; great grandchildren, Korbin and Silas; brother, Daryl Cunningham, Jr. (Sue) of Borne, TX; many nieces and nephews and her beloved dog and companion, Stella.

Diane passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion, at the age of 75 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Deana Sudtelgte and grandson, Jonathon Craig Nelson.
Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024, the Goldfield Presbyterian Church, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Private burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery in Goldfield.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. Foust Funeral Home, Eagle Grove in charge of arrangements.