Dianne Elaine Holden (Anderson)

Dianne Holden, 83, of Shoreview, MN, died on April 4, 2026, at Round Lake Senior Living in Arden Hills, MN. Dianne was born on Sept. 8, 1942, to Bertil and Mae Anderson in St. Paul, MN. The family lived in the Como Park neighborhood and were members of Como Park Lutheran Church. During the spring and summer, they could hear the unmistakable bark of Sparky the Seal performing at the Como Park Zoo. Outgoing and social, in elementary school, Dianne made friends who would become lifelong connections.

After graduating from Murray High School in 1960, Dianne attended Mankato State University, graduating in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in K-12 education. Throughout her life, Dianne was interested in seeing new places, and early in her teaching career she taught in Washington state. She then took a position teaching on U.S. military bases overseas, including locations in England and the Philippines – an experience that cemented a lifelong interest in travel.

After two years abroad, Dianne returned to Minnesota and continued her teaching career. In 1970 she married Eugene Holden of Manly, Iowa. She paused her career to raise her two children, Jeanette and Stacy. Both girls were active in sports, and Dianne was a dedicated supporter who cheered along at soccer matches, softball games, and swim meets. When her daughters were in middle school, Dianne returned to work as a teller at First Bank (now U.S. Bank) in St. Paul. She held several roles at the bank, eventually retiring for her favorite role: grandma.

Dianne’s four grandchildren were lights of her life. A generous and devoted grandma, she was always eager to babysit or help out. As they grew, she delighted in their activities and achievements, attending sports and academic events whenever possible. She also enjoyed competing with them as a perennial contender and frequent champion of the family fantasy football league.

In retirement, Dianne made the most of her newfound free time. She accelerated her travel adventures, with highlights including an excursion to China, a European grand tour, multi-generational trips to Ireland and France, Caribbean cruises, and more. Dianne made a point to take each daughter to Las Vegas in celebration of their 21st birthdays. She also continued to take part in cabin weekends and regular getaways with a group of friends she had known since elementary school.

She and Gene enjoyed trips closer to home, too, such as cycling the trails in Lanesboro, Minn., or accompanying grandchildren to Wisconsin Dells. A home in Fort Myers, Fla., gave them a break from Minnesota winters and provided a fun destination for grandkids to visit. Always outgoing and social, Dianne made meaningful connections in Florida through interests and activities including pickleball, Mahjong, walking, and more.

Dianne is preceded in death by her husband Gene. She is survived by her daughters Jeanette Woessner (Tim) and Stacy Stanslaski (Joel); grandchildren Sam and Reid Stanslaski and Calvin and Joe Woessner; sister Linda Ankrum (Dan); and two nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 9, 2026, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at The Lynhall, 2640 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408 Memorials or donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and Planned Parenthood North Central States.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

May 9, 2026

The Lynhall Minneapolis Private Event Venue 2640 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA

Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services