Diana M. Kroska, 71-year-old resident of East Bethel, MN passed away May 15, 2023 at Edgemont Place in Blaine, MN, surrounded by family. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, June 2, 2023 at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
Diana was born on February 17, 1952 in Owatonna, MN to Mardolf and Gladys Weisjahn. She graduated from Owatonna High School. Diana was united in marriage to John Kroska on December 15, 1973. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor Degree in education. The couple lived in Ham Lake, MN for a few years, before settling in 1983, at their forever home in East Bethel, MN. Diana worked at Dayton Elementary as the librarian for many years. She traveled to Africa several times and established childreachuganda.org. This was an organization that built schools and dug clean water wells. It was later decommissioned despite Diana’s passion.
She is preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Jerry Weisjahn.
Diana is survived by her husband, John Kroska of East Bethel, MN; son, Rudy (Heather) Kroska of Maple Grove, MN; grandson, Rex Kroska of Maple Grove, MN; brothers, Richard Weisjahn of Owatonna, MN, Greg (Mary) Weisjahn of Hugo, MN; sister-in-law, Edna Weisjahn of Andover, MN; many nieces & nephews; and several close friends.
The first time I met Mrs. Kroska was when it was open house for first graders and I sat in the library for an hour or two (instead of looking at classes and around the school) and read books with my Dad. She always remembered that and shared it with me often. It meant a lot when I was younger that she remembered me, built a relationship with me and others, and cared so much about all of us kids! She was one of the kindest people I have ever met to this day and I always admired her heart to serve those in need like the people in Uganda. She will be so missed.
Diane poured herself out for her family, friends and to so many suffering all over the world.
She loved children and her example of altruism rubbed off on all the students who made a positive difference, whether its was the Asian tsunami, Feed my Starving Children, the Linus project and Child Reach Uganda. Diane was the great organizer and motivator to inspire with creative ways to raise funds and teach every child who helped, see how they could make a difference. Most of all her love and great fun radiated to us all….Dayton school was changed forever by our Lady Di.
My prayers and thoughts are with John, Rudy, Heather, Rex and all her dear family at this time of loss. We are all richer for having known Diane.
Condolences to the family from a former library volunteer so many years ago. My children loved her storytime in school and she was open to let them share their favorite books as well. Our family has fond memories of Diana Kroska and we have never forgotten her kind personality. Rest in peace!
Our condolences to the Kroska family. Diane loved her Odyssey of the Mind team. She was Vern’s right hand when it came to coaching. Her humor & patience added to the fun & success of the team. The memories she made with this young team many years ago lives on with them forever.