Diana Haberer

Diana Lee (Collett) Haberer grew up in Ellendale, ND. She went to country school with all grades K – 6 in one room classroom during her elementary years and absolutely loved it. Since there was only 1 teacher, all the grades learned the same material. Diana was a good student and claims the only “F” she ever got was in the first grade in History. She absolutely hated history with a passion. She wouldn’t listen to the discussions or read the materials. The school scheduled “play days” with other schools in the area where they played basketball, had math and spelling contests, and other activities. Diana took pride in always winning the math contests!

When she transferred, she didn’t like junior high quite as much. There were only two teachers, and one of them she didn’t like. In high school, Diana joined the marching band as a baton twirler. She got so good by her second year in the band, that she became an instructor to the younger kids in the band. She graduated in 1964.

After high school, Diana got a scholarship to go to the business college in Aberdeen, SD. She worked for Land O’ Lakes for a couple of years before going to school again. She went to North Dakota State School of Science for a 2-year degree in computer programming. She met her first husband and father of her three children during this time.

After getting married June of 1968, they moved to Colorado. She claims this was quite an adventure. After a few years, they moved to Golden Valley, MN where she did in-home daycare so she could be home with her kids. They moved to a farm about 5 miles outside of Henning during the winter of 1977 and stayed there until they divorced in spring of 1985. During that time, Diana worked for a local turkey farm just a few miles from home, raised  pigs, chickens, turkeys, cows, and a full vegetable garden, harvested wild fruits, and much more to take care of her family.

After moving into the town of Henning, Diana took a job as bookkeeper and office manager at Lutheran Island Camp. She loved this position, loved the island, and loved doing the Lord’s work. She spent several years working for the camp. Later in 1997, Diana took a bookkeeping and payroll position at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Battle Lake, MN until her retirement in 2012. In her spare time, she pursued other entrepreneurial side interests with her husband, Jerald Dean Haberer, whom she married October 24, 1993 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Henning. Dianna and Jerry enjoyed buying, remodeling, and renting out properties in Henning. She was a bookkeeper, as well, for several local businesses.

 Diana loved gardening more than any other activity. She was exceptionally knowledgeable about flowers and was always expanding her gardens. In her younger years, she did a lot of sewing for her family. Additionally, she did some cross-stitching and crocheting for enjoyment and relaxation. She loved reading almost as much as gardening and worked part-time at the small public library in the Henning School. Once retired, Diana did a lot of traveling with her sisters, husband, and kids and grandchildren. Two of their most memorable trips were to Puerto Rico in 2014 and Honduras in 2018 over Christmas. Diana and Jerry wintered in AZ and thoroughly enjoyed their UTV rides in the desert where she collected precious rocks and unique desert plants!

Diana’s passing is mourned by her husband Jerald Haberer, children Kari (Greg Benson) Collett, Watkins, MN; Darbi (David) Gramp, Fredon, NJ; Erick (Amber) Moen, Clovis, CA. Stepchildren Robert Haberer, Sartell, MN; James (Shari) Haberer, Henning, MN; David (Lori) Haberer, Fargo, ND; Eric (Katie) Haberer, Henning, MN; and Karlene (Mark) Doll, Henning, MN. Seven grandchildren, nine step grandchildren, and five step great-grandchildren.  Sister Mary (Bob) Schmidt, Ellendale ND.

Diana is preceded into death by her parents Harold and Gene (Wolfe) Collett and her sister Kay (Tom) Jund.  

In lieu of flowers and cards the family requests that donations be made in Diana's memory to St. Jude's Hospital. 

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