Diane Rae (Thomas) Carroll

Diane Rae Carroll, 68, of Red Wing, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on January 12, 2024. Diane was born on June 26, 1955, in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, to Philip and Virginia (McCormick) Thomas.    Diane set foot in this world with a vibrant spirit, and that spirit remained with her until the end. She was a 1973 graduate of Black River Falls High School and recently attended her 50th class reunion this past summer and had so much fun seeing so many classmates.  She had a positivity around her that just drew people to her—that was Diane.  Her big heart and positivity did not go unnoticed.

As a young woman, she began working as a waitress and later at woman's dress shop in Eau Claire.  She married Wayne Zank and though the marriage did not last, they were blessed with a son, Kristopher.  Diane later found the love of her life, Thomas Carroll and the two were married on June 15, 1996 and they made their home in Red Wing.  Diane had a zest for life, was full of energy and always friendly and hospitable.  With a warm smile and a genuine willingness to assist others, Diane quickly became an invaluable member of the Treasure Island team-- first as a dealer and then as a concierge.  Sadly, Diane lost her husband Tom in 2009, her son, Kristopher in 2021 and her dear companion, Todd LaValley in 2020.  Though she had many losses, she remained positive and loved her grandchildren more than anything and remained dearly devoted to them.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Zandyr and Quynn; dear friend, Dick Caneff of Hastings; 3 siblings, Judy (Ken) Dugan, Scott (Lisa) Thomas and Jim Thomas all of Black River Falls, Wisconsin and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas Carroll; son, Kristopher Zank; sister, Sandra Thomas; infant sister, Arlene Kaye; twin brother, Dennis Thomas and brother, Joel Thomas.

Diane will be interred with her husband Tom at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.  A celebration of Diane’s life will be held in June in Black River Falls.  Details will be posted when available.    Please read the poem below and think of Diane and her legacy.

The Legacy

When I die, give what is left of me to children.  If you need to cry, cry for your brothers walking beside you.  Put your arms around anyone and give them what you need to give to me.  I want to leave you with something, something better than words or sounds. Look for me in the people I have known and loved.  And if you cannot live without me, then let me live on in your eyes, your mind and your acts of kindness.  You can love me most by letting hands touch hands and letting go of children that need to be free.  Love does not die, people do.  So when all that is left of me is love. . .give me away.