Diane Kay Birchem, 45, Perham, MN

2006 - 1961

Diane Birchem

Diane Kay Birchem, 45, of Perham, died unexpectedly, Friday, Dec. 1, 2006, at the Perham Memorial Hospital. Her funeral was held at 11 a.m. this morning at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Perham, with the Rev. Joe Herzing officiating.

She was born Nov. 3, 1961, in Breckenridge, the daughter of John and Angela (Piechowski) Birchem. Diane was a 1980 graduate of Johnson High School in St. Paul. She previously worked at K-Mart in St. Paul and in 1996 moved to Perham where she was employed at Barrel O’ Fun, Lakes Café and RD Offutt Company. She enjoyed spending time with her son, fishing, watching old time movies, reading poetry and gardening with her sweetheart.

Diane is survived by her son, Adam, of Perham; mother, Angela Birchem of Perham; sisters: Rose Robbins of St. Paul, Marceil (Jim) Bucholz of Perham, and Pat (Everett) Wegscheid of Perham; brothers, Vince (Carole) Birchem of Stillwater, Edward (Robin) Birchem of Oakdale, and Dennis (Terri) Birchem of Blaine; 19 nieces and nephews; and her sweetheart, Dennis Tolkinen of New York Mills. Diane was preceded in death by her father, John Birchem.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Schoeneberger Funeral Home, Perham, was in charge of the arrangements.