DiAnn & Gary Svenson Stories

Today and tomorrow are the visitation and funeral for David W. Svenson, Gary's brother. You may learn more about his beautiful life here:  https://www.fjelstul.com/obituary/david-svenson   Dave leaves behind a legacy of love and unconditional friendship that encompasses his wonderful children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well s a legacy of service via Sverre Svenson & Sons Construction, the Decorah Fire Department and much more. Among the many wonderful stories about the four Svenson boys, Carl, Dave and Gary credited a trip with their father Sverre to the Luther College campus to help with cleanup after the second Main Building burned to the ground on on May 31, 1942 as being part of their inspiration to join the fire service.  Collectively, Carl, Dave and Gary Svenson devoted more than 100 years to the Iowa fire service, mostly in Decorah, with Carl also serving as an investigative fire marshal for the State of Iowa.  We raise a glass to you, dear Dave! A wise f

DiAnn's dear friend and church work colleague at St. Benedict's in Decorah, Bonnie Breja shared DiAnn's recipe for Cinnamon Whirligigs that Bonnie recently found at church. The recipe is in DiAnn's meticulous handwriting as pictured above and reads: Ingredients: Two 3-ounce packages of very soft cream cheese Approximately 1/2 C very soft butter 8 slices whole wheat bread - fresh and soft 1/4 C granulated sugar 2 t cinnamon Working on a counter w/wax paper, spread both sides of each slice of bread w/butter. Spread one side of each slice with an even layer of very soft cream cheese. Remove crusts from bread. Cut each slice into 3 even strips & roll each strip w/cream cheese inside - jelly roll style. Combine sugar 2/cinnamon. Dip each piece in this mixture to coat. Put on ungreased baking sheet & bake at 350 degrees for 13-15 minutes. Drizzle with frosting (optional).  Bonnie remembers that DiAnn would make these and bring them to 7 a.m. Mass at St. Benedict's

Tomorrow is Marj Wonderlich's birthday, a member of DiAnn's daycare and chosen family. Happy Birthday, Marj! Kindly on what would have been DiAnn's birthday this past Monday, the family heard from Marj with the following message: Diane has certainly been on my mind!  We share September birthdays very close together on the 6th and 10th!  We always talked on the phone and sent cards to each other during this week and discussed the ISU vs. Iowa game. Diane was such a Hawk fan and our family are real Cyclones so it always was a lively discussion especially if Norm was on the phone too.  It was a highlight of my birthday greetings and I am missing it so much this year. I am sure I will miss it every year as I remember my special friend.  Love to all Diane's family and friends!   Marj and Norm Wonderlich Pictured above is one of the pages from the Wonderlich family's many pages of wonderful submissions for DiAnn's 60th birthday memory book. It reads: Our family was

For DiAnn's 60th birthday surprise 18 years ago today, the last letter in her memory book was from her husband Gary, pictured above. It reads: August 18, 2003 Memories shared with DiAnn - My wife - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! Now do you see why I've been asking you about how old you are this year? Dawn and I have been working on this for a little while.  Guess I would have to start from the beginning with our trip to the State Fair to see Mr. Charley Pride with Irv and Kathy Schau. Do you remember that XXX bar we accidentally went into when we were trying to give Irv and Kathy a moment alone? The trip we took to Nashville was also something to remember, especially seeing the Grand Ole Opry - a very long trip in a short time. The help you gave me, standing by my side at the Winneshiek County Fair was amazing. I could not have done it without your help and the help of both Dawn and Darin. It was a true family effort by everyone in our family. This was true with all of our projects - N

For that same special 60th birthday book highlighted this year in several posts, DiAnn's Luther Dining Services colleague and dear friend Annabel Kazynski, a resident of DiAnn's native Ossian wrote her the acrostic poem pictured here. It reads: D evoted to church, family and friends I nteresting - sympathetic to all A mbitious. Never too tired to lend a helping hand. N ever lets you down. N ice. Fun-loving and kind Elegant in her approach to live Happy 60th birthday,  Your friend, Annabel You may read more about Annabel's beautiful life here:  https://www.thegazette.com/obituaries/kazynski-annabel-irish/ 

DiAnn's brother-in-law Irenus Baumler, husband to her sister Marlene, shared a photo of himself and siblings Marlene, DiAnn, Jeanne and Ronnie. Irenus also shared the following memories for her 60th birthday in 2003, which read: Wonderful Memories of DiAnn: First of all I have memories of all the help you provided our family when Marlene (her sister) was ill or recuperating. You stayed with us and helped cook meals and do cleaning, etc. Thank you for being there for us! Other fond memories are when you and Marlene would get together and would recall memories and tell stories to the point that you would get to laughing so hard that the tears flowed.  Memories of the great kolaches you make! A definite favorite of mine!  DiAnn (and Gary), you have been a big source of support to me since the loss of my Marlene last November. I thank you for all your love and support you have shown during this very difficult time. Happy 60th birthday Diann! Remember you're not just getting older,

DiAnn's aunt and godmother Marie Frana was among the wonderful contributors to her 60th birthday book. Marie and her family supplies wonderful photos seen here and a handwritten letter to her niece that reads: My memories of DiAnn DiAnn does a real good job of keeping in touch with me and I appreciate it. Through the years we have shared some good time and bad times with each other. As we were growing up we often went back and forth to each other's homes quite often.  I recall being at her first communion reception, high school graduation reception - their wedding and their 25th wedding anniversary. All were joyous occasions.  One thing I really enjoy is when DiAnn takes me along and we go growing around the country and see who lived there and who lives there now and see how much things have changed all over. Hope she enjoys her 60th birthday surprise as much as I did the surprise for my 80th birthday about five years ago. It's so fresh in my mind yet. What a surprise! May

Another entry from DiAnn's 2003 birthday book is a handwritten letter with a Happy 60th Birthday headline from her aunt and uncle, Edmund and Sylvia Ehler The letter reads: DiAnn, Wow! The years have flown by quickly. I remember when you were six or seven years old, when you came to visit with your parents, how you loved to play with Kenny, two years old. You were very watchful over him.  We always really enjoyed the food at Luther when we got to eat there on special occasions. With your expertise in helping prepare the food, it was always very delicious. Edmund really enjoyed when you are Marlene came to visit. He always appreciates it when any of his nieces or nephews come to visit. Wishing you many more healthy, happy birthdays. Enjoy your day. Our love, Edmund and Sylvia  Edmund passed away less than 3 months after DiAnn's 60th birthday.  You may read more about Syliva's beautiful life here:  https://www.schluterbalikfuneralhome.com/obituary/100858 

Among the treasures in DiAnn's 60th birthday book created in 2003 is a handwritten letter from her aunt, Rita Wenthold, along with a picture of the stargazer lilies from DiAnn's own front garden.  Rita's letter reads: Happy Birthday DiAnn, We have had many good times together. It was so nice to go with you to Cedar Rapids to visit relatives. When Dorothy and I went to Decorah to visit Florence we also stopped at your house and had a good game of cards. I remember your wedding. It was great. Your Aunt,  Rita Wenthold Additionally, Rita's granddaughters, Ashley Wenthold, age 10 and Kirsten Wenthold, age 8 created beautiful birthday artwork for DiAnn's milestone birthday.  You may read more about Rita Wenthold's beautiful life here: https://www.schluterbalikfuneralhome.com/obituary/100858 

A  series of posts connected to DiAnn’s September 6 birthday share pieces of a large surprise book contributed to by many loved ones in honor of her 60th birthday. Today’s birthday wishes from DiAnn’s milestone are from her beloved aunt by marriage, Amanda Swenson. You may read more about Amanda’s beautiful life here:  https://www.fjelstul.com/obituary/866013 The letter reads: August 15, 2003 Dear DiAnn, When I think of you, DiAnn, I think about the hundreds of cookies, bars, rolls and jars of jelly you’ve remembered me with over these last years. I got a treat, I think. You are the true chef in the family. Another quality is your unfailing willingness to help out, not just me but others as well, whenever you could. Our many Christmases at the Fire Station were extra special because the location was so roomy and yet so cozy, the food delicious and hospitality so warm. I enjoyed playing “Grandma” for Dawn when she invited me to accompany her to Grandparents’ Day at St. Benedict’s., Taki