Diane Nancy VanDervort

Diane N. VanDervort, age 84, of Hastings and formerly of Virginia, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Augustana Health Care Center.

A child of God, Diane was a cherished daughter, wife, mom, grandma "Memaw," and great-grandma. She was born on June 5, 1940, to Irma (Seeman) and Stanley "Bud" Paulsen in Duluth, MN. Diane grew up in Duluth and graduated from Denfeld High School in 1958. Throughout her life, she lived in Duluth and Minneapolis before moving north to Mt. Iron and eventually settling in Virginia, MN, with her husband, Jerry, and their daughters, Lynn and Lori.

Diane was deeply involved in her church community at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Virginia, MN, just a few blocks from home, where she was an active member for 60 years. In the 1960s and '70s, she taught sixth-grade "release time" religious instruction about Martin Luther. Over 40 years ago, Diane helped establish the "Used A Bit" clothing sale at the church, an ongoing tradition that continues today. She was also a talented seamstress who crafted prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses, baptismal outfits, and clothing for her family and grandchildren. Her skills extended to quilt-making, creating countless quilts donated worldwide through Lutheran World Relief and local agencies.

She served as the custodian at Our Savior's Lutheran Church for many years and remained active in various church roles, becoming the congregation's first woman president—a true trailblazer.

Diane had a passion for antiquing and thrift shopping, amassing an impressive collection of beautiful glass tumblers in various colors. Her legendary ability to find bargains was unparalleled; if someone was searching for something, Diane would locate it—and always at a great deal. Known as a great negotiator at rummage sales, she could charm and persuade anyone into offering her the best price.

A voracious reader, Diane often had several novels going at once. She adored the library, recently enjoying visits with her great-grandsons to share her love of books. A fierce competitor, she dominated in games like Trivial Pursuit and cribbage and frequently knew the Jeopardy answers before the contestants.

Her artistic talents shone through in painting, especially rosemaling, which she practiced alongside her friend Joyce. Despite praise, Diane humbly claimed she was "not that good." Cooking was another love of Diane's, and she coordinated numerous church meals for funerals, events, and annual Thanksgiving dinners for those alone or without family nearby. Her grandchildren particularly cherished her meatballs, and her extensive cookbook collection featured several published recipes.

Diane and Jerry deeply appreciated the beauty of lakes and woods, spending many years traveling in their RV, exploring Alaska and other regions across the United States.

Diane is survived by her daughters, Lynn (David) Reese of Cleveland, MN, and Lori Best of Hastings, MN; grandchildren, Samantha VanDervort, Eric (Erica) Best, Elizabeth (Trevor) Leonard, and Emily (Justin) King; great-grandchildren, Archer Best and Easton Leonard; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry VanDervort, and parents, Irma and Stanley "Bud" Paulsen.

A Celebration of Life Service for both Diane and Jerry VanDervort will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at St. Philip's Lutheran Church, Hastings with a visitation one hour prior to the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Lutheran World Relief

Lutheran Social Service of MN Virginia Family Resource Center

The Quilters at Our Savior's Lutheran Church of Virginia, MN