Dianna Lipinski Sullivan

life story

Say It Like It Is—Diane Would.

To know Diane was to love her. She was a woman of conviction, never afraid to speak her mind, share her opinion, or get straight to the point. Her honesty was (sometimes) refreshing, her wit unforgettable, and her presence impossible to ignore. Many admired this quality in “Lady Di”—a nickname that suited her blend of grace and grit. While her words could be sharp at times, they were always rooted in care and a desire to help, never to harm. Diane didn’t hold grudges; even after a passionate disagreement, she was the first to offer a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on. Her loyalty ran deep, and her love for others was fierce and unwavering.

Di, Diane, Lady Di, Dianna ...

Diane Lipinski Sullivan, age 74, passed away unexpectedly at her home on October 4, 2025, due to cardiac conditions. Her daughter, Stacy, and son-in-law, Brian, were by her side as paramedics responded to a 911 call. Despite efforts to revive her after she lost consciousness, Diane was ready to return “home” and reunite with her beloved husband, Steve.

Born in April 1951 to Dorothy and Vincent Lipinski, Diane grew up in Chaska, Minnesota, she attended and graduated from Guardian Angels Catholic School. At age 19, she met Steven Sullivan, and just a few months later, they were married at Guardian Angels Catholic Church—beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in love, faith, patriotism, and community. Together, they raised their children, Stacy and Shawn, in Chaska, where they remained active members of the parish and neighborhood. In 2012, Diane and Steven moved to Maple Grove, and in 2021, they relocated to St. Therese in Brooklyn Park to be closer to their children.

Diane was deeply devoted to her family and believed in the power of community. She encouraged involvement in everything from community education programs and school sports to local events. Always generous, Diane was quick to offer a place to stay, a warm meal, or a dose of tough love when needed.

Her creativity shone brightest during her children’s early years. Diane was often found crafting activities with her children and neighborhood kids—projects filled with googly eyes, glitter, pom-poms, glue, and yarn. She wrote skits for the Sugar City 4-H Club, handmade costumes for Halloween and school plays, and helped direct airband performances. Summers were filled with swimming at the clayhole and double-dutch jump rope lessons; winters brought snowmen and sledding adventures.

Throughout her life, Diane held a variety of jobs that reflected her hardworking spirit and love for people. She worked as a preschool teacher, a dry cleaner, and a kitchen manager at the Excelsior American Legion. Before retiring, she found purpose working at the Gedney pickle factory in Chaska, where she embraced learning about new cultures from co-workers and supporting those new to the factory line.

Diane was also a proud and active member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She could often be seen riding in parades and along winding back roads on the back of a motorcycle with her husband, Sully, a founding member of the Minnesota chapter of the American Legion Riders. Their shared respect for veterans inspired a lifelong commitment to advocacy and volunteerism. “Here, there, everywhere!” was a slogan Diane once used in an Auxiliary campaign—an apt reflection of her boundless energy and dedication.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Steven; their infant son, Casey Lee; her brothers, Joseph and Peter Lipinski; and her brother-in-law, Mike Pauly. She is survived by her daughter, Stacy (Brian Wheeler); son, Shawn (Emma); grandchildren, Austin, Pendleton, Jarah, Henry, and Grace; and great-grandson, Arlo. She also leaves behind her sisters Barb Bowen (Gerald) Brimacombe, Helennette (Mike) Van Eyll, Theresa Pauly, Valarie (Arthur) Luce; brothers Paul and Tony Lipinski; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Diane’s legacy of love, creativity, and community spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

memorial service

Diane was cremated and will be buried with Steven at Guardian Angels Catholic Cemetery, likely in the Spring of 2026. A funeral mass or service will be planned for a future date.