Diane Kay (Classon) Neusch was born on Jan. 30, 1947, to Truman and Viola (Buhmann) Classon in Fairmont, Minn. She attended country school #108 and graduated from Fairmont High School in 1965. After graduating, Diane worked at Mallon Egg in Fairmont.

On Dec. 23, 1966, Diane was united in marriage to Robert Neusch at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Fairmont. Diane and Bob began their married life in Fort Rucker, Ala., where Bob was stationed in the military. Eventually, Diane returned home to Fairmont, where she lived on the farm with her parents and worked at Railway Motors while Bob was deployed to Vietnam. Diane and Bob spent both their first wedding anniversary and their 21st birthdays apart–a testament to their strength and commitment during a challenging time. Following Bob’s deployment to Vietnam, he was stationed in Savannah, Ga., where they lived for a year and a half. In the fall of 1969, they returned home to Fairmont, where they purchased a farm in Silver Lake Township, Minn. and raised their three daughters, Amy, Missy and Jessi. Diane was an integral part of life on the farm and took great pride in her work. She especially enjoyed driving tractor–chopping stalks and chisel plowing–and mowing the lawn. She kept the books for Neusch Farms and was always ready to lend a hand with the cattle, including raising and bottle-feeding baby calves, running cattle through the chute, and administering yearly vaccinations. Beyond her work, Diane had a deep love for horses, spending countless hours trail riding and attending many local horse shows supporting her grandchildren. She cherished time spent camping with family and friends and loved good conversation while relaxing around a campfire.

Diane found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including knitting, crocheting, sewing, and reading. She treasured gathering around the table with family for dice and card games and always looked forward to suppers with the Friday night gang. She was a devoted supporter of her grandchildren’s events, while never missing a home game or activity. Family meant everything to her.

Diane also enjoyed traveling. She had several trips with the “girls” where an abundance of fun memories were made. She always felt extremely lucky and blessed to go on many vacations with her daughters and their families. She especially looked forward to the annual trip to Las Vegas for the rodeo with Bob and many of their horse friends. They were extra lucky to have their friends Steve and Janet Sparks who always took care of all the planning and made sure they made it back home in one piece.

Diane was active in the community where she served as a Sunday school teacher and was a member of the Northrop American Legion Auxiliary, Pheasants Forever, Martin County Conservation Club and the Fairmont Saddle Club. She was on a bowling league with great friends who still make a point to get together monthly to share a meal and some good laughs. Diane and Bob were in the neighborhood card club for many years where they played 500. They grew up together (unable to recall when they actually met) and were in the same 4-H group. They eventually raised their daughters in 4-H where Diane became an adult leader.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of fifty-nine years, Bob Neusch; three daughters, Amy (Russ) Kotewa, Missy Neusch and Jessi (Tracy) Kotewa; eight grandchildren, Michael Neusch, Bryanna Kotewa, Matthew Kotewa, Alex Neitzel, Mason Kotewa (Katy Hacker), Jonissa Neitzel, Faith Kotewa and Grace Kotewa; three great-grandchildren, Finley Neusch, Fletcher Neusch and Weston Kotewa; brother, Denny (Helen) Classon; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Linda (Bryan) Gregor and Mary Jo Neusch; many nieces, nephews, and other extended family; along with her beloved trail horse Joe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Truman and Viola Classon; parents-in-law, Donald and Lucille Neusch; grandchildren, Josephene Kotewa and Tyler Kotewa; sister, Jan Mart; sister-in-law, Peggy Neusch Kolda; brother-in-law, Chuck Neusch; and nephews, Todd Benschoter and Troy Benschoter.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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