Dianne Mildred Garding

Dianne M. Garding, age 77 of Litchfield, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at Meeker Manor Nursing Home on September 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield, MN with visitation from 10:00-11:00 AM. Interment will be held in Calvary Cemetery.

Dianne Mildred Garding, the daughter of Ervin and Elizabeth (Hierlmaier) Ashfeld was born on October 6, 1948, in Litchfield, MN. She attended Eden Valley Watkins High School. Dianne was united in marriage to Lloyd Garding on April 25, 1987, at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins, MN where she was a member. She later became a member of the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield.

Dianne was raised on a farm in Watkins, MN, where she developed a lifelong love for country living, animals, hard work, family, faith, and the simple gifts of life. The values she learned there-faith, perseverance, generosity, and care for others-remained at the heart of who she was throughout her life. Dianne spent much of her life farming and caring for the people she loved. She was known for her kind, giving spirit and for the joy she brought to those around her. Her family was the center of her world, and she had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome, included, and cared for. Whether through a warm conversation, a shared meal, a thoughtful gesture, or simply her presence, she made people feel at home.

She loved cooking and tasty food, especially when it brought family and friends together. Potato salad was one of her favorite specialties! Dianne also enjoyed baking, doing crafts, music, singing, bingo, animals (especially cats and horses), and family fun. Her home was a place of laughter and celebration.

Even in her final days, Dianne continued to show the compassion that defined her life. While receiving care herself, Dianne would remind those around her to take care of themselves. Her concern for others never faded, and that simple kindness reflected the beautiful person she was both inside and outside. Dianne will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, happiness, warm heart, love for family, and ability to bring joy wherever she went. Her legacy lives on in the values she passed down: To love deeply welcome others generously, find happiness in life's simple moments, and always take care of one another.

She is survived by her children, Melissa (Jarod) Oslund, Brian (Ashley) Garding, Jeff (Brenna) Garding, Joyce Ashfeld, Judy (Erik) Engelson, Deanna Flaschenreim; grandchildren, Brice (Saige) Lu, Carissa (Michael) Lu Johnson, Hailey Stoffer, Cole Stoffer, Jayda Stoffer, Quinten Engelson, Kyza Engelson, Kaiden Oslund, Braylin Oslund, Tyler Garding , Aiden Garding, Brycen Garding, Trinity Garding, Gavin Garding, Vayda Garding; sibling, Arlys (Billy) Hicks; and many extended family members, friends, neighbors, and all those whose lives were touched by her kindness.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ervin and Elizabeth; husband Lloyd; and siblings James, Leonard, and Joanne.

Dianne was truly a gentle soul. Her love was unconditional and will remain in our hearts forever. Though she will be deeply missed, Dianne's love, laughter, kindness, and joyful spirit will remain forever in the souls of all who know her.

Our family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Meeker Manor Nursing Home and Hospice Care for the compassionate care and comfort they provided to Dianne.

Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit https://www.johnsonhagglund.com/obituaries