With deepest sorrows, we announce Diane, age 66, passed in the evening of November 27, 2022 at Billings Clinic, in Billings, Montana.
Diane Marie Ersland was born with Down’s Syndrome on May 29, 1956 to Levi and Shirley (Kuecks) Ersland. Dr. Phil Smith told Shirley to take her home and love her, and treat her like any other “normal” kid. Diane was best known for her generous hugs.
The first years of Diane’s life was spent with her parents on their farm in the Ossette Community. While on the farm, she enjoyed checking cows with her dad and riding her bike.
When Dian was old enough to start school, there were no special education classes in the area, so a group of parents gathered their children together in one of the rooms at the Lutheran Church in Glasgow, called the Opportunity Room. During the week, Diane stayed with Shirley’s parents in Nashua. While staying there, Grandpa would play his “jungle music” on his guitar and Diane would dance.
When Eastmont opened in Glendive, The Ersland’s decided to send Diane because they felt it offered her better educational opportunities. She started at Eastmont in January 1970. She participated in the five-day program and came home on the weekends with the help of friends and carpooling. In October of 1970, Diane and her family moved to Nashua so Diane could attend special education classes that had just begun in Nashua. Diane attended Nashua until 1979. Diane loved going to basketball games to support the Nashua Porkies.
She began day services at the Milk River Activity Center in 1979. She worked mainly in the laundry area. Her daily routine with her brother at the Center was to walk to “Markle Hanks” to get her a pop. Whether at home, or at the Center, Diane spent much of her free time coloring and doing paperwork. In 2019, she moved into Warren Group Home to live with her friends of Milk River.
Diane participated in Special Olympics and has many medals to show for it. Diane was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Nashua and the American Legion Auxiliary Nashua Unit 104. She enjoyed many vacations with her parents and brother, Matthew. She attended Griz games with her Aunt Nordy.
Diane is survived by her parents, Levi and Shirley Ersland; four aunts: Delores (Rodney) Baldry, Lorraine (Keith) Langseth, Nordy Riley and Darlene (Ken) Greenwood and multiple cousins.
Diane was preceded in death by her sister, Marcie; her brother, Matthew; grandparents Nels and Borghild Ersland and Henry and Sarah “Sally” Kuecks; cousins: Rodney Greenwood, Jake Fuglie, Jason and Brad Riley, Steven Langseth and several other family members. Each family member will be met with the best hug ever.
Visitation will be 2 – 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Bell Mortuary. Funeral services for Diane will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Nashua with Pastor Bonnie Novak officiating. Burial will follow at the Nashua Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers please give to Milk River Inc. or the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Viewing
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 7, 2022
Bell Mortuary
701 Second Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday December 8, 2022
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
115 Mabel Street
Nashua, Montana 59248
Funeral Reception
12:30 p.m.
Thursday December 8, 2022
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
115 Mabel St.
Nashua, Montana 59248
Service Schedule
Viewing
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 7, 2022
Bell Mortuary
701 Second Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday December 8, 2022
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
115 Mabel Street
Nashua, Montana 59248
Funeral Reception
12:30 p.m.
Thursday December 8, 2022
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
115 Mabel St.
Nashua, Montana 59248
Share
Lorraine Hughes says
Diane was one of my very favorite patients. Her positive attitude and smile or contagious. I loved her. Hugs and kisses. I’m sorry for your loss.
Wanda Dale says
Levi and Shirley, we are so sorry for your loss. I’ve known Diane all my life. You raised a good girl! Peace be with you. With Love, Wanda and Steve Dale
Kathleen Handley says
Tears reaching out to the heavens for Diane. She was such a delightful woman. Mischievous and funny; analytical and fair; that was Diane. Thank you, Shirley and Levi, for sharing her with us. She made me a better person.
Lisa Garsjo Thievin says
The Garsjo family has always adored Diane. We were greeted with a huge smile and a sweet hug every time we saw her.
We know there is a special place in Heaven just for her.
Cathy Garsjo Graham says
I always remember how Diane loved to play with my hair.
To be so happy, joyous and free and with so much kindness. If only the rest of the world could be, what a wonderful world we’d live in.
My love and sympathy to you, Levi and Shirley. Job well done. Diane was blessed to have you both as her parents.
Laura Wagner says
Diane was always so sweet. She added goodness to this world, and we are so very sorry for her loss. Our hearts go out to you, Shirley and Levi. Roger and Laura Wagner
MaryLou Buchmann Wahlberg says
Diane touched so many hearts and memories of her will live on for many years, My favorite ones are of her and Matthew helping me at the church fellowship after worship when it was my turn to serve! They were both so willing go help and were always joyful. May memories of her continue to remind us of kindness and willingness to be of service. My heart goes out to her parents, Shirley and Levi, as they struggle with this huge loss. God bless them and Diane’s memory
Jean Archdale says
I don’t know you folks but want to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your sweet Diane. Like I said I don’t know you but my brother-in-law lived with downs syndrome until the age of 63. I believe our loved ones with Down Syndrome are Gods special angels here on earth to teach us unconditional love and understanding, they never know how it feels to get really angry, to be worried about everyday things like paying the bills? Getting supper on the table, etc. I know in our family, Bob was always happy, excited to get his paycheck really happy to have some jingle money in his pocket, wonderful and amazing angels and my family and your family were both blessed to know the ones in our families, I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
I also read of your sons passing , another angel on this earth as long as he could be, I saw where Bob Robbins showed Matthew the ropes, Bob was my uncle and I am not one bit surprised. Praying for you all.