Diane Elizabeth Appel was born December 5, 1964 to Leo and Carol (Schoberg) Appel in Windom, MN. Her education was begun at Windom Elementary school and Windom Area High School. She graduated in the class of 1983. Her education continued at St. Cloud Business College. Her career, which spanned many years, began by submitting only one application for employment. There were never any subsequent applications. Her early years in I.T. management were with the Cenex Corporation. In more recent years, Diane had served as I.T. manager for the Land-O-Lakes Corporation in Arden Hills, MN. Diane served in her employment with dedication and faithful resolve to do her best possible at all times. For several years, she has been coping with cancer and has been undergoing treatment for it. In spite of health challenges, she continued to work from her home and where ever else she was needed. Diane had many interests in her life. She was fond of travelling in our country and to distant lands, enjoyed movies and scrapbooking. Most of all, Diane was a proud Vikings fan and enjoyed fellowship with family and friends in her own personal seats at Vikings stadiums. With the same level of enthusiasm, Diane was an ardent fan of Walt Disney's characters, movies, and theme parks. Her collection of Disney memorabilia was unsurpassed. She shared that appreciation with her parents and friends. Of note, is the fact that Diane shared the same birthday as Walt Disney. Diane has had several cancer episodes since 2012. In spite of treatment and hospitalizations, she died on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at Fairview Ridges in Burnsville at the age of 53 years. Her family includes her parents, Leo and Carol Appel of Windom; brother, David Appel and his friend Brenda Huffman of Grand Prairie, TX; aunt, Anita Winkel of Windom; cousins, Wayne Winkel, Paula (Brett) Kruthoff and two sons Christopher and Bryson; Cheryl (Justin) Keyser and daughter Tayler; and Kris (Lance) Rininger and daughter Ashlee. Also left to mourn her passing are a host of friends and co-workers. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; and Uncle, Wes Winkel. Blessed be the memory of Diane Appel.