Diane Arnoldt

Diane Esther Murphy Arnoldt, age 73, of Janesville, MN died on February 1, 2015 in Waseca, MN at the Colony Court Memory Care Suites, surrounded by her children after a difficult struggle with Alzheimer's dementia.

The celebration of her life will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Janesville, MN on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with Father David Arnoldt officiating. Visitation will be held at the Arnoldt-McRaith Funeral Home in Janesville, MN on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 from 4pm-7pm and for one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Born on April 10, 1941 in Waseca, MN, Diane was the daughter of Esther (Ross) Murphy. She attended and graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Waseca, MN. After graduating from Sacred Heart in 1959, Diane along with a couple of good friends moved to the Twin Cities in pursuit of a career, and with a twinkle in her eye seeking her 'Mrs.' title. Ironically, she found her Prince Charming in her own back yard -Fred Arnoldt of Janesville, MN who happened to be working in the Cities at the time. The two were married on September 1, 1962. They soon moved back to their roots landing in Janesville, MN, where they raised 5 wild and wonderful children. Through the years, Diane's children were fortunate to have their mother at home while they were young. She loved to bake, cook, sew and knit and showered her family with these gifts throughout her life. As her children grew-up, she established careers at Janesville Public School, the Janesville Post Office as a part time rural carrier and spent 10 years working for State Farm Insurance in Janesville, MN. Her plate not quite full, she purchased the Janesville Dairy Queen and oversaw operations for 20 years, serving several years as the Chamber President. She was also very active with St. Ann's Catholic Church in Janesville, as well as Meals on Wheels also serving as the Chairperson. With all of this, she still found time to enjoy her 15 grandchildren. We are all very blessed to have had her in our lives.

Diane is survived and dearly missed by her children, Kim (Sherri Jenson) and their children Josh and Rebecca; Tim (Teri Sundahl) and their children Philip, Jane and Ben; Kelly (Keith Eustice), and their children TJ (Anne Norgaard)) Tyler, Travis, Ryan and Sam; Katie (Tom Nicolai) and their children Abby, Joey and Danny; and Andy (Sarah Grams) and their children Taylor and Tuckor; brother, John Murphy; brother-in-law Fr. David Arnoldt; sister-in-law Katie (Steve) George, and sister-in-law Betty Arnoldt, as well as many nieces, nephews, great friends, and loyal dog Taffy.

Our mother is preceded in death by her husband, Fred (2008); her mother Esther, sisters CeCe Hunt and Peggy Thompson, brothers Leo and Terry Murphy, and grandson Michael Nicolai. Also awaiting her heavenly arrival, father-in-law Phil Arnoldt, Sr., mother-in-law Eileen Thissen Arnoldt; sister-in-law Maureen Barrett and brother-in-law Phil Arnoldt, Jr.

Our family wish: While our father was born with a green thumb, mother was not! She and we would rather memorials to St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery or Mayo Hospice. We thank you all so much for being with us through this very difficult journey! Kim, Tim, Kelly, Katie, Andy and Taffy-Mother's loyal canine companion!