Watch Margaret's Funeral Mass

Margaret Diekman, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend entered the hands of God on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at the age of 93, lovingly surrounded by her family.

Margaret Marie, the daughter of Henry and Anna (Anderson) Gunderson, was born on October 26, 1928, in Detroit Lakes, MN.  She was raised in the Detroit Lakes community, spending much of her time on the lake and visiting her relatives on the farm near Audubon, MN. Her grandparents were first generation immigrants from Norway and taught her many of their native Norwegian traditions.  Marge spoke Norwegian until entering elementary school, at which time she learned the English language.  After graduating high school, Marge worked for Northwestern Bell telephone company in Detroit Lakes. While working there, she met Norbert Diekman and the couple quickly fell in love.  Margaret and Norbert were united in marriage on September 22, 1951, and as Norbert finished Dental School, they made their home in Minneapolis, MN.  After finishing Dental School, they moved to Mahnomen, MN, where Norbert started practicing dentistry and they began their family.  Marge was a devoted mother to their six children and the foundation to their family.  She always put her family's needs first, doting on her children and anticipating everyone's needs.  Marge was a wonderful cook and enjoyed preparing elegant holiday celebrations for her family.  She was especially known for her pecan pies and her Norwegian treats.  Marge and Norbert also spent much of their family time together at their second home at Lake Ida and later spending the winter months in Arizona.  Wherever she was, Marge loved to sit outside and feel the warmth of sun on her face, often saying the sun was the power of God.  She had a strong faith, and the Lord was part of her everyday life.  Nobert passed away on April 4, 2016, and a few years later, Marge moved into the Mahnomen Assisted Living. Since the fall of 2020, she has made her home at River Point Memory Care in Moorhead, MN.  Marge adored each of children and loved being a grandmother.  She especially cherished her little great-grandchildren and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her sixth great-grandbaby in June.  Margaret rarely complained and always tried to show her love to her family.   Her never-failing love will be imprinted on their hearts forever.

Margaret is survived by three sons: Dr. Steven (Renee) of Fargo, ND, Mark of Mahnomen, and John (Lisa) of Victoria, MN; three daughters: Barbara Hartmann of Scottsdale, AZ, Maria (Craig) Renfrew of Ada, MN, and Carolyn Cordova of Pueblo, CO; 12 grandchildren: Hannah (Jonny) Ryding, Luke Diekman, Seth Diekman, Abby (Aaron) Montplaisir, Zach Diekman, Christopher (Jami) Hartmann, Mike (Dani) Renfrew, Sara Renfrew, Brittany (Matthew Sigler) Cordova, Ryan Diekman, Adam Diekman and Nicholas Diekman; five great-grandchildren: Ava Cordova, William Sigler, Theo Hartmann, Zane Renfrew, and Madi Renfrew; two brothers-in-law, Marvin Olson and Wally (Betty) Diekman; and several nieces and nephews.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Norbert; one sister, Violet Olson; a brother, Robert Gunderson; and she was joined in Heaven on April 4, 2022, by her brother, Maurice.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the staff of the Mahnomen Health Center/Assisted Living Center, River Pointe Memory Care of Moorhead, and Hospice of the Red River Valley for the loving care Marge received.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, MN.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.