Diana Lanz, 68, West Fargo, ND, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at Sanford Medical Center with her husband, Greg, by her side.
Diana Marie Lill was born on Jan. 26, 1955, in Devils Lake, ND, to Arthur and Genevieve (Stevens) Lill. She grew up on the family farm north of Loma, near Alsen, ND, and graduated from Langdon High School in 1973. Diana attended Wahpeton State School of Science for her AA degree and then worked as a secretary in Washington, DC. When Diana returned to ND in 1974, she started working for the Veteran’s Administration. She spent many years as a field examiner for the VA Regional Office in a career that she loved. While working, she took night classes to complete a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Moorhead State University in 1989.
Diana married Greg Lanz in 1994, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in West Fargo, ND. They bought their first home in West Fargo and spent many happy years gardening, canning their coveted pickles, green beans and salsa, antique collecting, visiting car shows and attending family gatherings, reunions, and annual pierogi fest. Diana was a generous hostess and loved having family come for meals and holiday celebrations. Greg and Diana shared their home first with their German Shepherd, Tina, and then with their beloved Golden Retriever, Toby Cottontail. Diana was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in May of 2001. The illness eventually led to her early retirement in May 2005. Diana fought the illness with a fiery passion. She always kept her sharp sense of humor, quick wit, and a sparkle in her eyes.
Diana’s family and friends thank all the EMTs and Sanford ER and ICU doctors, nurses, and staff, for their compassion and care in treating Diana.
Diana is survived by her husband, Greg; five brothers; Darrell Lill, Moncks Corner, SC, Ken Lill, Pelican Rapids, MN, Tom (Doris) Lill, Alsen, ND, Rodger Lill, Pelican Rapids, MN, Mike (Kris) Lill, Roseville, MN; three sisters, Sandy Dettling, Fargo, ND, Brenda (Mark) Taylor, Fargo, ND, Cathy Lill, Devils Lake; brothers-in-law, John Craig, West Fargo, Paul Lanz, Eugene, OR, Robert Lanz, Eden Prairie, MN; sisters-in-law, Karla Lanz, Seattle, WA, Nadine (David) Haglin, Minneapolis, MN, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law, Laverne Patricia Lanz, sister Betty Craig, brother-in-law Alex Dettling, sisters-in-law Bonita Lill and Michelle Lanz, and nephew Patrick Huck and niece, Elizabeth Lill.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or Sanford Health Foundation.
Visitation was Wednesday, Jan. 3, followed by a prayer service, West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.
Funeral Mass is Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, 2 p.m. Holy Cross Catholic Church, West Fargo.
Condolences can be sent online: westfuneralhome.com
