Barbara J. Diesen, age 95, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. on Friday, April 12, at First Presbyterian Church in Brookings with burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitations will be from 6-7:30 p.m.on Thursday, April 11, at Eidsness Funeral Home.
Barbara was born on Aug. 1, 1928, in Brookings, SD, the daughter of Calvin and Glenna (Johnson) Swering. She received her education in the Brookings Schools and was a graduate of the Brookings High School in 1946. Barbara received her AA degree from SDSU in 1949. From 1952 until 1953, she lived in Omaha, NE, and was employed at the University of Omaha. From 1952 until 1957, she was the Assistant Director of Public Relations at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND. From 1957 until 1959, Barbara was the Assistant State Director of Easter Seals in Jamestown, ND, and from 1959 until 1962, was employed with the VIP Travel Agency in New York City.
Barbara was united in marriage to Abraham Seit on Dec. 10, 1960, in New York City. In 1975, Abraham and Barbara moved back to Brookings, SD, where she was employed at First National Bank. Abraham died on Jan. 8, 1984, in Brookings. Barbara continued her employment at First National Bank until 1990.
In 1991, she was employed for Perso Realty until her retirement in 1992. On Aug/ 15, 1992, she married Clarence Diesen. Clarence died on Nov. 16,2002.
Barbara was a past member of the Presbyterian Church and First Lutheran Church in Brookings, the Brookings Women’s Bowling Association, and held offices in City League and served on the City Association Board. She was also a member of the South Dakota Women’s Bowling Association and the National Bowling Association. She was a past member of the ALTRUSA, the BPW, Church Choir, and former Sunday school teacher. Barbara enjoyed camping, traveling, reading and handiwork.
Barbara is survived by two daughters, Mickey (Allen) Cooper of Sioux Falls, SD, Shelah (Lenny) Moskal of Smithfield, VA; step-daughter, Carol Riggleman of Farmingdale, N.J.; step-son, David Diesen of Weston, WI; eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; one step-daughter, Joanne Thompson; one sister, Beverly (Loyd) Riedesel; step daughter-in-law, Cynthia Diesen; and step son-in-law, Sam Riggleman.
