Diane Gerjets

Diane Gerjets, Fargo, ND was a beloved grandmother, mother, and wife during her incredible 79 years of life. She passed away peacefully in the early hours of March 13, 2023, spending her final days with the constant companionship of her granddaughters Teni, Elise, and Anna.

Diane Renee Gerjets was born to Tenny and Edith (Houske) Stole, on March 18, 1943, in Halstad, MN. Diane graduated from Halstad High School and went on to study Nutrition Science at North Dakota State University. She married Cleighton Jerome “Rusty” Hastad on November 22, 1965, and a year later their daughter Michelle was born. After Rusty’s passing in 1992, Diane found love and friendship again, and married David Gerjets on January 24, 1996, and moved to Twin Valley, MN.
Diane was a homemaker and loved being surrounded by people. She was a generous hostess and outstanding cook, and her taco pie recipe is a family favorite. Diane loved her parents dearly and prioritized taking care of them until their final day. Diane was a selfless volunteer, delivering meals to the elderly, serving as a state board member for the American Cancer Society, and spent hours upon hours visiting residents, sharing snacks, and livening up the halls at the Halstad Living Center with her young granddaughters in tow. Diane was an avid animal lover, and anyone who knew her heard many sweet and funny stories about her beloved Yorkies.

Nicknamed “Grandma Fruit” by her grandkids, Diane filled their lives with endless activities, fun adventures, sugary goodness, and most importantly, love. Diane continued a friendship with her former son-in-law, Scott Ebsen, and his family, and her ‘bonus’ granddaughters Clare and Mia were also with Grandma Fruit in her final days. Diane was close with her cousins throughout the years and truly appreciated and loved her extended family. Besides her own grandchildren, Diane was known to many as “Grandma Fruit” and she considered the Meadows Nursing Home caregivers (and their kids) as family, too. Diane kept a snack drawer filled to the brim and visitors or staff knew that an interaction with Diane would usually result in leaving with a candy bar or some other goodie. Diane was kind, generous and had the best sense of humor. She always made sure those around her were taken care of and spread so much love. Diane will be deeply missed.

Diane is preceded in death by her husband, Rusty Hastad, and parents, Tenny and Edith Stole. She is survived by her daughter Michelle (Nathan) Lindgren, grandchildren Teni (Kyle) Magnuson, Elise (Connor) Jones, Anna Lindgren, great-grandson Sebastian Jones, another great-grandson due in late July, and, David Gerjets.

A private memorial will be held at Halstad Lutheran South Cemetery.