NEW ULM–Diane Marie Portner, 70 years old, passed away at her home in New Ulm on Friday, September 26, 2025 surrounded by family.

A visitation will be held from 10am-12 p.m. on October 25, 2025 at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home- NORTH Chapel, followed with a prayer service. A Celebration of Life will then follow at the New Ulm Country Club from 1-5 p.m. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org

Diane was born on 8/29/1955 to George and Louise (Domeier) Bauer. She graduated from New Ulm Cathedral 1973. Diane was united in marriage to the love of her life and high school sweet heart Thomas (Tom) Portner on May 25, 1976. After high school Diane worked in the lab at Kraft and completed courses on upholstery. Diane then embarked on a successful upholstery career, operating her own business, “Diane’s Upholstery”, for 25 years.

Diane’s greatest love and achievement were that of her children, daughter in-laws, and grandchildren. She loved watching her kids play sports at the hockey rinks and the baseball diamonds as they grew up. She loved watching her grandkids at band concerts, choir concerts, and sporting events. She routinely brought her canned dill pickles to the ball park and was known as the pickle “Grandma”. She would comment that she was a cheer leader in High School. She brought that fire and enthusiasm to the concerts and sporting events.

Diane was an expert avid gardener and had the most amazing gardens. She loved canning, and cooking new recipes to share with family and friends. Many summers weeks were spent fishing in Northern MN.

In retirement, she volunteered time at the New Ulm Food Shelf, and the New Ulm Food CO-OP, “Graze”. She was a regular participant as a blood donor. She was proud of the fact that she was a life time resident of “Goosetown”.

She is survived by her husband Tom of 49 years; her sons and daughter in-laws and grandchildren; Chad (Roxanne) Brock, Drake & Macey; and Jerad (Laura). She is survived by siblings, Thomas (Sandy) Bauer, Mary Ann (John) Mingo, Jane Hoffman, Roger (Joyce) Bauer, and Brother-in-Law, Rick Hoffman.

She was preceded in death by her father George Bauer; mother Louise Bauer; siblings, Sr. Louise Bauer, Patrick Bauer and Wally Bauer.

The family expresses special thanks to the staff of St. Croix Hospice for their excellent care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to New Ulm Emergency Food Self, St. Croix Hospice, or donor’s choice.

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