Dianne Hanenberger

Dianne Sue Hanenberger, age 73, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, October 15, 2019, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Saint Mary’s Campus. Dianne was born October 1, 1946 in Estherville, Iowa, to Robert and Marjorie Mitchell. She grew up in Graettinger, Iowa, until her family moved to Stewartville, Minnesota, just prior to her senior year of high school. Dianne graduated from Stewartville High School in 1964, though still considered herself a Graettinger High School Pirate. She then went on to attend Mankato State University earning her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. On June 15, 1968, Dianne married Robert Hanenberger at the Methodist Church in Stewartville, Minnesota. Dianne furthered her education and graduated with her Master’s degree at the University of Minnesota in 1985. Upon her college graduation, she became an elementary teacher for Blooming Prairie High School, teaching 3rd and 4th grade for over 30 years. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, and when her children were younger, she helped them in 4-H and was a senior leader. Dianne collected many things over the years including, Swarovski crystals and cherished teddy bears. She enjoyed writing, crossword puzzles, crafts, and going fishing. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her husband, Robert Hanenberger of Blooming Prairie, MN; children, Kevin (Sondra) Hanenberger of Blooming Prairie, MN, David Hanenberger of Otsego, MN, Kimberly (Rolando) Mast of Owatonna, MN, Troy Meiners of Blaine, MN; seven grandchildren, Lyanne and Brianna Hanenberger, Colin Meiners, Trevor Meiners, Shaleigh Meiners, Mikayla Ramsey, Arri Meiners; sister, Donna (Jim) Wilkerson of Hayfield, MN; four step-sisters, Corrine (Gary) Fiksdahl of Rochester, MN, Korlee (Gary) Witzel of Menomonie, WI, Delores (Glen) Hammel of Eyota, MN,  and Darla (Hugo) Bakke of Owatonna, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Marjorie Mitchell; and three step-sisters, Kaye Johnston, Corlis Toft, and Donna Kuhn.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, with Pastor Mike Walerius officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 21, at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in First Lutheran Cemetery, Blooming Prairie. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the family. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.