Diane Jean Kaiser

Diane Jean Kaiser (Queenie) of Pelican Lake died peacefully on July 17, 2025 at the age of 83 at Pelican Valley Senior Living, in Pelican Rapids, MN under the care of loving nurses, Hospice of the RRV and family.

Diane was born in Grand Forks, ND on November 9, 1941 to William and Nellie (Sullivan) Webster. Diane was welcomed at a young age into the Ryan Family, who became like her own. Jerry and Sanny Ryan, along with their children: Peter, Casey, Sheila, Pat and Jerry, fast became a lifelong place of love, guidance, influence and profound sense of home.

Di graduated from St. James, then went on to what would become a blessed path at the University of North Dakota. She was a proud Alpha Phi and naturally excelled academically while making incredible lifelong friendships. Most importantly, it was there that Diane met the love of her life, Gary Kaiser. She graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy.

Gary and Diane were united in marriage June 16, 1962. The pair moved to Fargo, ND in 1968, where Gary began his career at The ND Air National Guard, and Diane began her career at St. Lukes. In both Diane’s personal and professional life, she possessed profound talent, but the truest essence of Diane could be seen in her deep love for her two boys: Gary and Lance. While she held success and ingenuity in her career in helping and changing the lives of many patients, she found her finest moments as a Mother.

She was passionate about her career, friends and family -and she loved to entertain. Diane was active in Junior League, Bridge, golf and antiquing. She had unmistakable style and beauty, a “knock your socks off” level of intelligence and the ability to catch one off guard with her wit.

Queenie loved “a find” and in 1993, she found a darling cottage on Pelican Lake, where she and Gary moved full time in 2000. They wintered in Destin, FL and spent summers on Pelican Lake - golfing, gardening, playing bridge/mahjong and being the world’s best Queenie to her grandchildren.

Queenie wasn’t just beloved—she was a force. Her courage inspired, her laughter lifted and her love held everyone together. Whether she was making someone feel seen, standing up for what was right, quietly taking care of those she cherished or learning about another - her impact was lasting. We will carry her with us, always.

Our dear Queenie is survived by her husband of 63 years, Gary; children Gary (Monica), Lance (Candace); grandchildren, Mason (Kenna), Elle, Lauren and August; great grandchildren, Parker, Bryson, Billie. The Ryan Family. The Webster Family: brothers, David Webster and Gary (Cathy), sisters Susan (Tom) Hennesy, Peggy Nolasco, Mary Reynolds, Becky (Ray) Huber, Elizabeth (Cletus) Giles, Patti (Bob) Boegeman. Beloved extended family, nephews and nieces.

Queenie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers John, Paul, William, James and sister Linda Herstein

A celebration of life will be held Friday, August 15, 2025, 11:00AM at Cormorant Lutheran Church, Lake Park, MN 56554.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to The Shriners Children’s Hospital or your favorite charity in memory of Diane (Queenie) Kaiser.