It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Diane Aeikens on August 26, 2026, at the age of 72.
Diane was born June 28, 1954 in Willmar, Minnesota to Lenord and Lorriane (Slaughter) Pillatzki. Diane grew up in Willmar with her four brothers and two sisters. Diane graduated from Willmar High School in 1975. She enjoyed being creative and loved art.
Diane met the love of her life and husband, James Aeikens. They married on April 23, 1977 (49 years). Diane and Jim had two girls, Christine (June 26, 1978) and Cheryl (May 25, 1982). Diane was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, and her love for her family.
Diane worked as a caretaker for Grandview Apartments in Morris, MN for twenty-seven years and as a bus’s aid for the Morris Public Schools for years. Diane took pride in helping and caring for others in addition to enjoying celebrating, decorating for holidays and special moments. After she retired, she loved spending time with her grandkids, sewing, beating others at her favorite card games (for example crazy rummy) and going to Bingo with her family. She also looked forward to spending one week at the cabin with her whole family.
Diane is survived by husband James Aeikens; daughters Christine (Charles) Schiltz; and Cheryl (Chad ) Staab; grandchildren: Haley Staab and Sabrina Staab; brothers: Michael Pillatzki, Kevin Pillatzki and Roger Pillatzki; sisters: Betty Iffert and Sharon Bentzin; brothers-in-law: Bruce Bentzin, Kenny Aeikens, Larry Anacleto, and Estle Jenkins; sisters-in-law: Sharon Pillatzki, Sue Pillatzki, Peggy Aeikens, Caron Aeikens, Leona Aeikens, Elaine Anacleto, and Joanne (Richard) Gliesman; and several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceded in joining the Lord: Mother & Father, Lenord and Lorriane Pillatzki, her brother Leonard Jr. Pillatzki, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ben and Jessie Aeikens; her brothers-in-law: Willie Iffert, Donald Aeikens, James Peerboom, Rodney Christianson, Lyle Tollefson, Dennis Aeikens, Wayne Aeikens, John Aeikens, Dick (Richard) Gliesman, Jim Peerboom, and her sisters-in law: Shirley Tollefson, Melva Aeikens, Jeannine Aeikens, Patty Aeikens, Janice Aeikens, Melva Aeikens, and Donna Peerboom.
A Memorial Mass was held Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio, Minnesota with Fr. John Paul Knopik Celebrant. Organist was Amy Blackwelder. Visitation was held one hour prior to service time at the church. Burial was in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Willmar, Minnesota.
To sign the online guestbook, watch the video tribute, livestream or service recording visit www.bainbridgefuneralhome.com.
