Diane Jeanenne Erickson Wash

Diane Jeanenne Erickson was born June 8th, 1938 on the family farm in Grandfield township, Eddy County, near Sheyenne, North Dakota. She was born to Harold Oliver and Ethel Marie (Loe) Erickson. Diane went to eight years of country school and graduated from Sheyenne High School in May of 1956. In the winter season transportation to school involved riding in a covered sled behind a team of horses and mom loved to tell about this adventure! After graduating from high school, she entered into the nursing program at CA Lutheran Hospital of Nursing in Los Angeles California. A year later Diane returned to ND transferring to Minot State College receiving a degree in Elementary Education, graduating in 1959. She then accepted a teaching position in Fairview, Mt. where she taught for 2 years.

In 1960, she accepted a teaching position at the Standing Rock Elem School in Ft. Yates, bringing her back to beautiful North Dakota. This is where she met the love of her life, Harlen Wash, marrying on April 1st, 1961. Harlen was the successful athletic coach there in Ft. Yates and that success resulted in the family moving to several different states and having busy years with six children; Scott, Ryon, Erik, Erin, Fara, Shana.

Diane loved being a mom, being active at church with the women’s groups and choirs as well as various roles in county extension offices and being a 4H leader. She enjoyed a good sense of humor, a good cup of coffee with a goodie to go with it. She loved the Lord and saw that it was her job to be the hands and feet of Jesus to all those she met. Diane thrived being busy, loved adventure, and was a proud Scandinavian. Diane gardened with a green thumb passion, was an accomplished seamstress, a who-needs-a-recipe-baker, and loved to laugh. She was one with many hobbies to be sure! But one of her best qualities was that she had the ability to make people feel welcome and considered everyone her friend.

Diane is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Harlen, her parents Harold and Ethel, her younger brother Chuck, and many aunts and uncles. She is survived by her children; Scott, Ryon (Melissa), Erik (Lara), Erin, Fara, Shana (Mark), her sister Elaine (Wayne) Retzlaff, 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grand children, a sister-in law Karen Erickson, brother-in-laws Mick and Warren Wash, and many nieces and nephews. All of whom she loved dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 8575 South 700 East in Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to services beginning at 2:00 PM.

Funeral services will be streamed and recorded via Zoom. To watch the previously held services, please click the "Watch Services" link above.

Graveside services and interment will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the Augustana Lutheran Cemetery, 26th Street NE 61st Ave NE, Sheyenne, North Dakota.