Diane Lorraine Aeikens
Diane Aeikens, age 72 of Morris, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Visitation for Diane Aeikens will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio, MN.
Memorial Mass for Diane Aeikens will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio, MN, with Fr. John Paul Knopik Celebrant. Organist will be Amy Blackwelder
Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Willmar, MN, following lunch.
Lunch will be served in the church fellowship hall following the service.
Diane was born June 28, 1954 in Willmar, Minnesota to Lenord and Lorriane (Slaughter) Pillatzki. Diane grew up in Willmar with her four brothers and two sisters. Diane graduated from Willmar High School in 1975. She enjoyed being creative and loved art.
Diane met the love of her life and husband, James Aeikens. They married on April 23, 1977 (49 years). Diane and Jim had two girls, Christine (June 26, 1978) and Cheryl (May 25, 1982). Diane was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, and her love for her family.
Diane worked as a caretaker for Grandview Apartments in Morris, MN for twenty-seven years and as a bus’s aid for the Morris Public Schools for years. Diane took pride in helping and caring for others in addition to enjoying celebrating, decorating for holidays and special moments. After she retired, she loved spending time with her grandkids, sewing, beating others at her favorite card games (for example crazy rummy) and going to Bingo with her family. She also looked forward to spending one week at the cabin with her whole family.
Diane is survived by husband: James Aeikens; daughters: Christine (Charles) Schiltz, and Cheryl (Chad ) Staab; two grandchildren: Haley Staab and Sabrina Staab; brothers: Michael Pillatzki, Kevin Pillatzki, and Roger Pillatzki; sisters: Betty Iffert and Sharon Bentzin; brothers-in-law: Bruce Bentzin, Kenny Aeikens, Larry Anacleto, and Estle Jenkins; sisters-in-law: Sharon Pillatzki, Sue Pillatzki, Peggy Aeikens, Caron Aeikens, Leona Aeikens, Elaine Anacleto, and Joanne (Richard) Gliesman; and several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceded in joining the Lord: mother and father: Lenord and Lorriane Pillatzki; her brother: Leonard Jr. Pillatzki; her mother-in-law and father-in-law: Ben and Jessie Aeikens; her brothers-in-law: Willie Iffert, Donald Aeikens, James Peerboom, Rodney Christianson, Lyle Tollefson, Dennis Aeikens, Wayne Aeikens, John Aeikens, Dick (Richard) Gliesman, Jim Peerboom; and her sisters-in law: Shirley Tollefson, Melva Aeikens, Jeannine Aeikens, Patty Aeikens, Janice Aeikens, Melva Aeikens, and Donna Peerboom.
Arrangements are with Bainbridge Funeral Home in Wheaton, MN.
