Obituary of Diane Sharon O'Neel

Diane Sharon (Johnson) O’Neel nee Ernhart went home to her Savior May 5, 2023. She was born October 23, 1945, to James and Valeria Ernhart of Dassel, Minnesota. She is preceded in death by her parents and infant son, Joshua. Diane’s best-loved childhood memories were made on her grandparent’s farm in Howard Lake, Minnesota. Helping grandpa in the barn and playing tricks on her ‘city cousins’ were true highlights. In September of 1965, she married Dick Johnson of Dassel and settled into life on a dairy farm. Diane immersed herself into her community, even starting a monthly card club that lasted for many years after her departure from Dassel. In March of 1980, Diane married Tom O’Neel and continued raising her family with devotion. Diane was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her ready smile and quick wit endeared all who met her. Diane’s love and pride for her family was evident. Nothing gave her more pleasure than watching her kids and grandchildren grow and thrive. Diane poured herself into every person she met and loved entertaining. She will be remembered for her Christmas sing-a-longs, her countless hours of volunteering, her endless energy, her strong faith, and her ability to tailor virtually any item of clothing. Diane is survived by her brother Jim (Mary) Ernhart of Elk River, Minnesota; and children: Amy (Kent) Dickson of Salem, Missouri; Abbey (Neil) Alle of Forest Lake, Minnesota; Noah Johnson of Isle, Minnesota; April (Aaron) Farrell of Overland Park, Kansas; Zach (Katie) O’Neel of Plymouth, Minnesota; Andi Conde of Hopkins, Minnesota; Brady (Katelyn) O’Neel of Dent, Minnesota; Abria O’Neel of St. Paul, Minnesota; Ray (Courtney) O’Neel of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; Kris (Trevor) McLaughlin of Buffalo, Minnesota; Shaun (Kaitlyn) O’Neel of Redmond, Washington; Tiffani O’Neel of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Nathan O’Neel of Fort Worth, Texas; Britt O’Neel of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Anpo O’Neel of St. Cloud, Minnesota; Arliss O’Neel of Pensacola, Florida; and Tony O’Neel of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Diane’s legacy will live on in 32 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral arrangements are provided by Fox Funeral Home in Licking, MO and Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel, MN. Services for Diane will be held at Johnson Funeral Home (611 2nd St.) on Tuesday, May 16 at 11am. Internment will follow at Swan Lake Cemetery in Dassel and a lunch and time of remembrance will be held at The Ergot Center (901 1st St.) in Dassel.