Diane Mae (Zelinsky) Smith

Diane Mae (Zelinsky) Smith, age 72, of Walker, Minnesota left her earthly body to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 12th, 2020 from Sanford Hospital in Bemidji, MN.  She was born on July 24th, 1947 in Estherville, Iowa to Doris Mae (Bates) and Francis Fred Zelinsky.

Diane was raised on the family farm in Iowa along with her three siblings until 1956, when the family moved to Bird Island, MN.  She graduated from Bird Island High School and went on to beautician school in the Twin Cities.  It was while attending beautician school that she met John Smith, whom she married and moved to Walker, MN with.  They were married 24 years and raised five beautiful children together, along with many foster kids.  Diane’s pride and joy were her grandkids and great grandkids.  Nothing brought her more joy than being a mother and grandma.  She always had a smile on her face, she was kind, caring and patient.  Diane brought happiness to everyone she came across.  She enjoyed working as a waitress in Walker over the years and being able to get to know everyone in the community.  Diane’s favorite things were being in the kitchen, visiting, holidays, shopping with the girls, gardening and spending time with her family.  She will be remembered for her big heart and kind soul. 

She is reunited with her parents, Doris and Francis; special friend, Carl Johnston and numerous aunties, uncles and other relatives.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her children, Troy (Shawn) Smith of North St. Paul, Phil (Ruth) Smith of Akeley, Perry (Sheryl) Smith, Sr. of Walker, Raya Smith of San Francisco, CA and Jeffrey (Randi) Smith of Hackensack; brother, Lin Zelinsky; sisters, Virginia Carnine and Katherine Martin; grandbabies, Zach, Gabe, Andrew, Lena, Perry Jr., Tyler, Selina, Maxine, Aaliyah, Kevin, TJ and Logen; great grandbabies, Aubree, Kiyanna, Jade, Houston and one great granddaughter on the way; the father of her children, John Smith, many nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

A memorial mass for Diane will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21st, 2020 at the St. Agnes Catholic Church in Walker, MN with a one-hour visitation prior to services at 10:00 a.m.  Father Timothy Lange will officiate.  Diane’s honorary pallbearers will be all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Diane’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN.  Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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