Diane Carlson, age 90, of Wessington Springs, died Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Wessington Springs. Burial followed at Prospect Hill Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m., Monday, also at the church, with a prayer service at 7.
Diane was born on December 31, 1935, in Neillsville, Wisconsin, to Frank and Hurtha (Kindt) Marg. She graduated from high school in Neillsville, where she met the love of her life, Larry Carlson.
Diane and Larry were united in marriage in Neillsville on November 27, 1954. Throughout their marriage, they lived in Menominee, MI; Two Rivers, WI; Tomah, WI; Wisconsin Rapids, WI; Webster, SD; Wessington Springs, SD; Redfield, SD; and Lennox, SD. Diane returned to Wessington Springs in 2022, where she resided at the Weskota Apartments. Having moved so frequently, Diane was a true professional at packing, moving, and making every new house a home.
In every city where she lived, Diane was an active member of the community. Upon moving to Wessington Springs, Diane and Larry purchased the Red Owl grocery store. Working side-by-side for over 20 years, they built a life of service to the town. Many of the young people employed at the Red Owl can attest to the care and nurturing Diane provided. She was a woman of many passions, ranging from gardening and house painting to caring for her family.
Diane is survived by her daughter, Linda Schelske, and her husband, Mark, of Virgil, SD; her son, Roger, and his wife, Janet, of Aurora, IL; seven grandchildren: Aaron (Melanie) Schelske, Sarah (Jon) Small, Adam (Marissa) Schelske, Leah (Blake) Ronning, Rebecca (Michael) Hanley, Rachel Carlson, and Jacob (Breanna) Carlson; 15 great-grandchildren: Cadee (Brady) Struck, Mason Schelske, Emilee, Karlee, and Tucker Small, Quinton, Kase, Jax, and Hadlee Ronning, Holden, Hayes and Henley Schelske, Adelynn and Caleb Hanley, and Jolene Carlson; and one great-great-grandchild, Sloane Struck. She is also survived by her sister, Ellen Witt of Marshfield, WI, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; her parents; two brothers; and two sisters.
Memorial donations can be made to the Springs Area Bus in Diane’s name.
