July 29, 1963 – November 22, 2019
Dianne Justine Fitzgerald
Dianne Fitzgerald, age 56 of Saint Michael died Friday, November 22, 2019 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.
Dianne Justine (Hansen) Fitzgerald was born on July 29th, 1963 in Austin, the second youngest of four children, to Duane and Darleen (Ferguson) Hansen. She grew up on the family farm, where she developed her love for animals. There were horses, calves, dogs, cats, rabbits, and a goat. She rode horses for pleasure and competitively, most of her childhood. One year on the farm, there were 39 cats and kittens. Dianne and her sister, Dawn gave names to everyone of them.
She graduated from Austin High School in 1981. She went on to work at her family’s restaurant, called the Riviera Supper Club. There she gained valuable experience and skills, she put to good use the rest of her career, in many different establishments.
She moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where she met her soulmate Paul Fitzgerald (Pauly as she affectionately called him). They moved to the Twin Cities and were married on March 17, 1997 in Stillwater, Minnesota, by a judge who was painted in Green for Saint Patrick’s Day. Her brother Dallas, to whom she was very close, was one of their witnesses, on that special day.
Dianne and Paul did not have a child together, but they did have their puppies: Muffy, Lucy, and Gracie, that they loved very much, and treated them like they were their children. She had two step daughters, Katie (Fitzgerald) Welp who spent some time and shared some great memories, while in high school, and Caroline (Fitzgerald) Monson, who gives Dianne credit for teaching her how to cook. Dianne loved to cook for Paul and herself. Caroline and Dianne talked daily for a couple of years, before she became very ill. She also had a step son Matthew Fitzgerald, and a step grandson Linkin who visited her in the hospital.
Dianne was a tough little (tomboy) girl, and grew up to be a beautiful and strong women when she was healthy. After she fell nine years ago, her health steadily went down hill. Her loving and devoted husband, Pauly took care of her in their home in Saint Michael. Their love and commitment to each other was amazing and inspiring.
Dianne is survived by her husband: Paul; his children: Caroline, Katie, Sean and Matthew; many grandchildren: her parents: Duane and Darleen (Ferguson) Hansen; her brothers: Dallas Hansen and Derrick (Terrie)Hansen; her nieces: Ashley, Hannah, Stephanie, Kimberly and Tanya; her nephew: Kevin; her great nieces, Gracie, Roslyn, Leah, Gabrielle and Emma and her great nephews: Caleb, Jalen, Brandon, Logan, Ethan and Dillon.
Dianne is preceded in death by her sister Dawn (Hansen) Ehret.
There will be a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday, November 30th, 2019 from 12:00 (Noon) to 4:00 P.M. at the:
Liberty Restaurant & Bar
American Legion Post #567
25 Central Avenue East
Saint Michael, MN 55376