Diane Wappula, 72, of Middle River, MN passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

Diane Kay (Holden) Wappula was born on April 24, 1954, in San Diego, California, to Marie and Jerry Holden. As an infant, she moved with her family to Thief River Falls, Minnesota, where she spent much of her childhood. When her mother became ill, Diane and her sister Brenda entered foster care. Although the sisters were together during their first placements, they were later separated. Diane experienced many challenges during her younger years, moving between foster homes until she became independent at the age of 17.

Despite the difficulties she faced, Diane's determination carried her forward. She attended several schools throughout Minnesota, including schools in Thief River Falls, Greenbush, Roseau, Fairfax, and Sauk Centre. She earned her GED in 1971 and pursued cosmetology training. Although funding challenges prevented her from completing her schooling, Diane embraced a strong work ethic and entered the workforce.

Throughout her life, Diane worked at a variety of jobs, including Arctic Cat, the Legion, VFW, Kife's, The Lantern, and the Wheel Bar. She was known for her generous spirit and willingness to help anyone in need. Whether a friend, family member, or stranger, Diane never hesitated to lend a hand.

Diane found great joy in cooking and baking. The kitchen was her happy place and baking was her stress relief. Christmas and the holiday season were her favorite times of the year, when she filled her home with banana bread, lefse, donuts, fudge, and countless other homemade treats. She delighted in sharing everything she made with family, friends, and neighbors. She was always onboard to help anyone.

On December 11, 1971, Diane was united in marriage to Bob Scholin, and together they had three children: Garrett, Bobbie Jo, and Matthew. Later, on February 19, 2001, Diane married the love of her life, Mel Wappula, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Diane and Mel shared many happy memories together, including attending yearly NASCAR races in Daytona.

Diane’s biggest love was her family. She cherished time spent with her children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family. Her greatest joy came from caring for those she loved and creating lasting memories with them.

Diane also had a heart for serving others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she sewed and donated approximately 4,000 masks, giving them to anyone who needed one at no charge. She supported numerous charitable organizations and community causes, including Shriners, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, veterans' organizations, the Special Olympics, and First Lutheran Church in Middle River. She enjoyed helping with community events, mud races, and Baja races, always finding ways to give back to the people around her. “Thank you all for the support and help with these events.”

A woman of faith, Diane was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Badger, MN. Throughout her life she remained active in church activities and enjoyed attending worship, Sunday School programs, and community events with friends and family.

Diane is survived by her husband, Mel Wappula; their cherished companion, Jasmine; her children, Garret (Kari) Scholin, Bobbie Jo Scholin, and Matthew (Kim) Scholin; her stepchildren, Rick Wappula and Jay Wappula; her brother, Daniel Holden of Bunkerville, Nevada; her sister, Brenda Wright of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Kirstyn (Sam Olmstead), Logan, Paige, McKenna (Dylan Finstad), and Mason Scholin; step-grandchildren, Brandon, Jordan, Sydney, Bryton, Kevin, Carson Wappula, and Braylie Hayes; great-grandchildren, Maverick, Trapper, Jocelyn, Hailey, Kaiser, Lexus, Ravyn, Andreas, Jaylen, and Jeanette; sister-in-law, Marge (David) Bakke; her best friend, Susie Sonnenfeld; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anna Marie Nelson and Warren Nelson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Saima Wappula; her brothers-in-law, Ernest Wappula and Arne Wappula; her brother, Darrold Holden; her sister, Denise Clay; her grandparents, Olga Knutson (Art) and Sampson Troland; aunt, DeLoris Landreville, and great-aunt, Minnie Stene.

Diane will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, resilience, and unwavering love for family. Her life was a testament to giving, serving, and caring for others. The warmth she shared through her baking, volunteer efforts, and friendship touched countless lives and will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life for Diane will be held at 6:00 PM on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Middle River, MN with Shawn Wagner officiating. Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to Trails to Treatment.