Diane Burns

Diane Christine Burns

Beloved mother, grandmother, Oma, wife, and friend, passed away on May 3, 2025, at the age of 72.

Diane was born on October 23, 1952 in Owatonna, Minnesota to Wayne and Doris Karow. Much like her mother, Diane was an artist of fibers and fabric. She guided her craft with an innate ability and masterful patience, shaping beauty in the world around her. Diane filled our homes with vibrant colors, nourished us with a love that was unconditional, and wrapped our lives in a warmth that will never leave. Much like her craftwork, Diane's faith was a powerful and passionate undercurrent from which she stitched love into meaning, wove patience into purpose, and inspired others to do the same.

Diane graduated from St. Mary's/Marian High School in 1971 and went on to study at Rochester Junior College where she completed a General Secretarial Program. After graduation, she worked in the Hospital Service Division at the Minnesota Department of Health.

In 1974 she married Gregory Fischer and they spent 27 years together building a family. Diane chose to stay at home to care for their four children, shaping their lives with her love. In 1993, following her passion for fabric craftwork and sensing an unmet need for quality and curation in her quilting community, Diane joined up with close friends to open "The Cotton Patch" fabric and quilting store in downtown Owatonna.

At the age of 50, with the last of her children preparing to head off to college, Diane decided to do the same. After earning an Associates degree in administration from Riverland Community College, Diane went on to serve as the office administrator for the United Methodist Church in Owatonna for 10 years.

In 2010, Diane married Jackson Burns. Before long, Diane had Jack building custom doll furniture to sell along with her handmade line of doll dresses. They enjoyed many market Saturday's together at Central Park, selling their wares and building community. Together they enjoyed many happy camping trips with their church family, creating lasting memories and deepening their faith.

Diane was talented and creative, and found joy in many hobbies, including sewing, quilting, knitting, gardening, and crafting. Her hands were always busy, creating and sharing beautiful handmade items that are cherished by her family and friends. She was a dedicated member of Radiant Church in Owatonna, and later in life of Summit Church in St. Paul. She found deep community, comfort and spiritual fulfillment in both.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Doris Karow.

She is survived by her husband, Jackson Burns; her four children, Angie (Jason) Orthel, Brianna Fischer, Cody (Kathleen) Fischer, and Devin (Sarah) Fischer. She is cherished as 'Grandma Diane' to Emma, Jack, and Violet Orthel; and beloved 'Oma' to Makayla, Jocelyn, Eleanor, Reese, Isla and Ava Fischer.

Diane's grandchildren brought her immense joy and peace, and they carry with them her legacy of love, strength, creativity, and craftwork. Her family and friends will remember her strong faith, generous talents, appreciation of the small and beautiful things in life, and devotion to those she loved.

Diane will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. If you have been gifted one of her many creations- a quilt, a hand knitted blanket or sweater, or a mohair teddy bear - cozy up with it and know she's sending her love from heaven. May she rest in peace.

A celebration of Diane's life will be held at Summit Church (845 Summit Ave, St. Paul, MN) on Friday, May 9 at 11:00 am, with visitation beginning at 10:30 am.