Diane L. Benjamin

Diane Lee Benjamin, age 66, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on June 25, 2025, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Diane was born on September 20, 1958, in Faribault, Minnesota, to Theodore and Eleanore (Carpenter) Savoie. She graduated from Faribault High School in 1977 and earned her degree in Social Work from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1982. Diane later obtained a Master’s in Social Work and dedicated more than 25 years of her career to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, where she touched countless lives with her compassion, insight, and empathy.

On July 1, 1984, she married the love of her life, Michael Benjamin, in Faribault, MN. Over 42 years together they built a life grounded in love, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion to their family. Diane and Mike had two daughters, Leah Verderame and Ashley Grinhaug and four amazing grandchildren, Michael Verderame, Ella Verderame, Grace Grinhaug and Cooper Grinhaug.

Diane had a deep love for life and a vibrant personality that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She enjoyed boating, fishing, biking, playing cards with family, and cheering loudly at her grandchildren’s sporting events. An avid reader, Diane was always learning, growing, and sharing her knowledge.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Benjamin of Rochester, MN; her daughters, Leah Verderame (Anthony) of Rochester, MN, and Ashley Grinhaug (Chad) of Rochester, MN; beloved grandchildren: Michael, Eleanor, Grace, and Cooper; her sisters, Rose Moravec (Dave) of Faribault, MN, Linda Vigesaa (Mark) of Faribault, MN, and Shirley Trotter (Brian) of Grand Forks, ND; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family who cherished her.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Eleanore Savoie. Her brothers: Roland Savoie, Gordon Savoie, Gerald Savoie, Dan Savoie, Stan Savoie, Ted Savoie and Roger Savoie. Her sisters: Connie Spicer, Kathie Johnson and Delores Klaras.

A funeral service to celebrate Diane’s life will be held at Parker Kohl Funeral Home, 1725 Lyndale Ave. N., Faribault, on Sunday, July 6, 2025, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m., service at 2:00 p.m., with food and gathering following the service.

Diane will be remembered for her warmth, energy, and the enduring strength she shared with those lucky enough to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness.