Diane L. Burton - Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel

November 14, 1942 - March 4, 2024


Dianne Lavonne Burton (nee, Lenz), a resident of Eagan, MN, died on March 4, 2024 at the age of 81 at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN.

Diane is survived by her children, Trent Beard and his wife, Stephanie (Unger) and Treni Burton. Preceded in death by siblings, Bonnie Marsh, Cindy Roberts and Rick.

Diane was born in Langdon, ND on November 14, 1942, to Arthur and Sue Lenz. The 3rd of seven children to grow up on the family’s farm, she graduated from Nekoma High School and pursued post graduate studies in nursing at Devil’s Lake Nursing School. In 1966 Diane married Larry Beard. She later married Ken Burton, in 1978.

A devoted working mother, Diane enjoyed her positions as a secretary for the YMCA, and later as the beloved Office Manager and Caretaker of Coachman Oaks Condominiums, a position she held for 35 years.
Her son describes her as “The funniest, toughest and kindest person he ever met”.

Flowers, gifts for the family and condolences may be offered at 6527 Portland Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423.




6 Comments

  1. Vir says:

    Dear Family, I have known your mom since 1979 meeting while we were all working
    in Saudi Arabia. She was fun loving and a good friend and I shall miss her calls on
    Sundays checking on me. May she rest in peace and we shall meet again in heaven.
    With Love and Sadness
    Ginny Bull
    Greensboro, NC

  2. Dave and Doris Walter says:

    To family of Diane Burton. Had known only since July of 2022 when we moved into Coachman Oaks. She was very helpful at move in time and often times afterwards when we sought information or help in dealing with an issue. Blessed be the memory of Diane Burton.

  3. Amy says:

    I was sad when I heard the news that Diane had passed.
    I moved into Coachman Oaks in summer of 2022 and could immediately tell there was something very special about Diane.
    I didn’t know her well, but she was always nothing but kind and friendly to me.
    Now I have found out she has worked here for 35 years! What an accomplished life.
    I am so very sorry to her family, loved ones, all of her friends, and the friends in this building that have known her for many years.
    May she rest in peace.

  4. Mary Ihlen says:

    Dear Family of Diane,
    I moved into Coachman Oaks in 1995 and quickly became friends with dear sweet Diane. We laughed, we cried, we spent many nights on her patio sharing our stories and our hearts. I heard so many wonderful stories about her family – she loved you all so so much! She never said an unkind word about anyone. She loved unconditionally. She was funny – we did some crazy things. We had SO much fun together! I moved out in 2003 and I would return for our patio visits and our 6 hour ‘chats’ and we would catch up right where we left off. She had the most positive attitude of anyone I’ve ever known! She was such a Blessing in my life! And now she is in Glory with her Savior. God rest her sweet soul. Sending you all love and prayers during this difficult time.

  5. Mike Daugherty says:

    This is how they make em in North Dakota…my home state Diane was the greatest gal…she was everyones go to gal… we should have paid her just for the calm she gave all… USN/USMC veteran… 71…..

  6. Kari Jacobs Marshall says:

    Trent
    I’m really sorry to hear about your mom … sending prayers to your family .. my mom passed a month before her They were both some OGsingle moms … take care

    Kari Jacobs Marshall

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