Reverend Diane L. Brander, age 76, of Washburn, passed away on December 2, 2014, at St. Mary’s Medical Center, in Duluth, Minn. due to an unexpected illness. She was born June 2, 1938, in Stillwater, Minn., the daughter of Glenn T. and Lois M. (Elliott) McCleary.
How to describe Diane and her incredible life is no easy task. Simply stated, Diane had an insatiable love of life, believed in living life to its fullest and had an indomitable spirit for helping others in need. Diane lived in many places for short periods including the Twin Cities, Arizona, the Virgin Islands and Montana; but it was Lake Superior and the Bayfield Peninsula she lived for most of her life. Diane was drawn to the area because of community and friends that made her feel at home.
At a very young age, she had lots of energy and it was all her parents could do to keep her in line. She was the love of their lives and through their love they helped shape an incredible woman. Diane was an outspoken feminist, participated in peace marches in the 1970s, was a spiritual leader, professor at WITC, reverend for the Eternal Life Church, cancer survivor, sailor, business owner, author, staunch democrat, mother and grandmother. She could debate political and religious subjects with conviction yet without anger or prejudice. She believed in free will and respected opposing opinions. She focused her life on teaching and healing people in times of need and debated current topics for those up to the challenge.
She attended the University of Minnesota and studied Psychology. After receiving her Masters she went on to complete most of her PhD. However, priorities changed for Diane, and family and work became her focus. In 1975, she and her husband Bob moved to Bayfield to live, work and sail. The beauty of the Apostle Islands and people of Northern Wisconsin created a bond that would keep her there to the end.
Diane worked for New Horizons in Ashland and made many friendships with people of all walks of life. She earned respect from all who knew her. When her family grew old enough, Diane and Bob made a major life change: Bob accepted a position with the National Park Service to work in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Relocation was by sailing their 42-feet boat over the course of a year through the Great Lakes, down the east coast and across the open ocean to the Virgin Islands. They sailed through a life-changing hurricane in huge waves and wind that almost did them in. Although the tropical island of St. Johns was beautiful, they missed their life in Northern Wisconsin. After several years, they packed up and moved back to Bayfield.
After returning, Diane started her own business and became a successful organizational consultant. She taught leadership and communication skills that were focused on helping businesses become more successful and profitable through empowering employees. Diane also is the founder of Potter’s Farm in the Town of Washburn, where she created a nonprofit spiritual retreat center. Potter’s Farm was created as a place where people in alignment with the farm’s mission could celebrate and experience nature, find respite and healing and celebrate life through spiritual connections with others. Her journey to Potters Farm is described in her book Blindwalk to Potters Farm.
Due to an extended illness, Diane moved to Montana to be close to family and heal. After healing she moved back to Washburn where she taught Psychology at WITC in Ashland until retirement and since then served as President of the Washburn Chamber of Commerce. As an ordained minister, she performed dozens of marriages. At the age of 75, she went skydiving for the first time. She loved the area, the people of the area, family, her pet schipperkes, Lake Superior, sailing and helping people. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by a son, Scott Payne (Ann) of Twin Bridges, Mont.; a daughter, Tara Payne (Nick) of Pollack Pines, Calif.; three grandchildren, Jarrett Payne, Leah Payne and Althea Running.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A wake is planned for Diane on June 7 at 2 p.m. at the McGrath House in Washburn. A potluck with music is planned and all friends of Diane are welcome. A celebration of Diane’s spiritual life is planned for 11 a.m. at Potters Farm on June 7. Close friends of Diane in alignment with the vision of Potter’s Farm are welcome. For those wishing to honor Diane’s memory they may contribute in her name to Potter’s Farm (www.pottersfarm.org).
Arrangements are by the Bratley Funeral Home in Washburn.
How to describe Diane and her incredible life is no easy task. Simply stated, Diane had an insatiable love of life, believed in living life to its fullest and had an indomitable spirit for helping others in need. Diane lived in many places for short periods including the Twin Cities, Arizona, the Virgin Islands and Montana; but it was Lake Superior and the Bayfield Peninsula she lived for most of her life. Diane was drawn to the area because of community and friends that made her feel at home.
At a very young age, she had lots of energy and it was all her parents could do to keep her in line. She was the love of their lives and through their love they helped shape an incredible woman. Diane was an outspoken feminist, participated in peace marches in the 1970s, was a spiritual leader, professor at WITC, reverend for the Eternal Life Church, cancer survivor, sailor, business owner, author, staunch democrat, mother and grandmother. She could debate political and religious subjects with conviction yet without anger or prejudice. She believed in free will and respected opposing opinions. She focused her life on teaching and healing people in times of need and debated current topics for those up to the challenge.
She attended the University of Minnesota and studied Psychology. After receiving her Masters she went on to complete most of her PhD. However, priorities changed for Diane, and family and work became her focus. In 1975, she and her husband Bob moved to Bayfield to live, work and sail. The beauty of the Apostle Islands and people of Northern Wisconsin created a bond that would keep her there to the end.
Diane worked for New Horizons in Ashland and made many friendships with people of all walks of life. She earned respect from all who knew her. When her family grew old enough, Diane and Bob made a major life change: Bob accepted a position with the National Park Service to work in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Relocation was by sailing their 42-feet boat over the course of a year through the Great Lakes, down the east coast and across the open ocean to the Virgin Islands. They sailed through a life-changing hurricane in huge waves and wind that almost did them in. Although the tropical island of St. Johns was beautiful, they missed their life in Northern Wisconsin. After several years, they packed up and moved back to Bayfield.
After returning, Diane started her own business and became a successful organizational consultant. She taught leadership and communication skills that were focused on helping businesses become more successful and profitable through empowering employees. Diane also is the founder of Potter’s Farm in the Town of Washburn, where she created a nonprofit spiritual retreat center. Potter’s Farm was created as a place where people in alignment with the farm’s mission could celebrate and experience nature, find respite and healing and celebrate life through spiritual connections with others. Her journey to Potters Farm is described in her book Blindwalk to Potters Farm.
Due to an extended illness, Diane moved to Montana to be close to family and heal. After healing she moved back to Washburn where she taught Psychology at WITC in Ashland until retirement and since then served as President of the Washburn Chamber of Commerce. As an ordained minister, she performed dozens of marriages. At the age of 75, she went skydiving for the first time. She loved the area, the people of the area, family, her pet schipperkes, Lake Superior, sailing and helping people. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by a son, Scott Payne (Ann) of Twin Bridges, Mont.; a daughter, Tara Payne (Nick) of Pollack Pines, Calif.; three grandchildren, Jarrett Payne, Leah Payne and Althea Running.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A wake is planned for Diane on June 7 at 2 p.m. at the McGrath House in Washburn. A potluck with music is planned and all friends of Diane are welcome. A celebration of Diane’s spiritual life is planned for 11 a.m. at Potters Farm on June 7. Close friends of Diane in alignment with the vision of Potter’s Farm are welcome. For those wishing to honor Diane’s memory they may contribute in her name to Potter’s Farm (www.pottersfarm.org).
Arrangements are by the Bratley Funeral Home in Washburn.
Reverend Diane L. Brander, age 76, of Washburn, passed away on December 2, 2014, at St. Mary’s Medical Center, in Duluth, Minn. due to an unexpected illness. She was born June 2, 1938, in Stillwater, Minn., the daughter of Glenn T. and Lois M. (Elliott) McCleary.
How to describe Diane and her incredible life is no easy task. Simply stated, Diane had an insatiable love of life, believed in living life to its fullest and had an indomitable spirit for helping others in need. Diane lived in many places for short periods including the Twin Cities, Arizona, the Virgin Islands and Montana; but it was Lake Superior and the Bayfield Peninsula she lived for most of her life. Diane was drawn to the area because of community and friends that made her feel at home.
At a very young age, she had lots of energy and it was all her parents could do to keep her in line. She was the love of their lives and through their love they helped shape an incredible woman. Diane was an outspoken feminist, participated in peace marches in the 1970s, was a spiritual leader, professor at WITC, reverend for the Eternal Life Church, cancer survivor, sailor, business owner, author, staunch democrat, mother and grandmother. She could debate political and religious subjects with conviction yet without anger or prejudice. She believed in free will and respected opposing opinions. She focused her life on teaching and healing people in times of need and debated current topics for those up to the challenge.
She attended the University of Minnesota and studied Psychology. After receiving her Masters she went on to complete most of her PhD. However, priorities changed for Diane, and family and work became her focus. In 1975, she and her husband Bob moved to Bayfield to live, work and sail. The beauty of the Apostle Islands and people of Northern Wisconsin created a bond that would keep her there to the end.
Diane worked for New Horizons in Ashland and made many friendships with people of all walks of life. She earned respect from all who knew her. When her family grew old enough, Diane and Bob made a major life change: Bob accepted a position with the National Park Service to work in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Relocation was by sailing their 42-feet boat over the course of a year through the Great Lakes, down the east coast and across the open ocean to the Virgin Islands. They sailed through a life-changing hurricane in huge waves and wind that almost did them in. Although the tropical island of St. Johns was beautiful, they missed their life in Northern Wisconsin. After several years, they packed up and moved back to Bayfield.
After returning, Diane started her own business and became a successful organizational consultant. She taught leadership and communication skills that were focused on helping businesses become more successful and profitable through empowering employees. Diane also is the founder of Potter’s Farm in the Town of Washburn, where she created a nonprofit spiritual retreat center. Potter’s Farm was created as a place where people in alignment with the farm’s mission could celebrate and experience nature, find respite and healing and celebrate life through spiritual connections with others. Her journey to Potters Farm is described in her book Blindwalk to Potters Farm.
Due to an extended illness, Diane moved to Montana to be close to family and heal. After healing she moved back to Washburn where she taught Psychology at WITC in Ashland until retirement and since then served as President of the Washburn Chamber of Commerce. As an ordained minister, she performed dozens of marriages. At the age of 75, she went skydiving for the first time. She loved the area, the people of the area, family, her pet schipperkes, Lake Superior, sailing and helping people. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by a son, Scott Payne (Ann) of Twin Bridges, Mont.; a daughter, Tara Payne (Nick) of Pollack Pines, Calif.; three grandchildren, Jarrett Payne, Leah Payne and Althea Running.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A wake is planned for Diane on June 7 at 2 p.m. at the McGrath House in Washburn. A potluck with music is planned and all friends of Diane are welcome. A celebration of Diane’s spiritual life is planned for 11 a.m. at Potters Farm on June 7. Close friends of Diane in alignment with the vision of Potter’s Farm are welcome. For those wishing to honor Diane’s memory they may contribute in her name to Potter’s Farm (www.pottersfarm.org).
Arrangements are by the Bratley Funeral Home in Washburn.
How to describe Diane and her incredible life is no easy task. Simply stated, Diane had an insatiable love of life, believed in living life to its fullest and had an indomitable spirit for helping others in need. Diane lived in many places for short periods including the Twin Cities, Arizona, the Virgin Islands and Montana; but it was Lake Superior and the Bayfield Peninsula she lived for most of her life. Diane was drawn to the area because of community and friends that made her feel at home.
At a very young age, she had lots of energy and it was all her parents could do to keep her in line. She was the love of their lives and through their love they helped shape an incredible woman. Diane was an outspoken feminist, participated in peace marches in the 1970s, was a spiritual leader, professor at WITC, reverend for the Eternal Life Church, cancer survivor, sailor, business owner, author, staunch democrat, mother and grandmother. She could debate political and religious subjects with conviction yet without anger or prejudice. She believed in free will and respected opposing opinions. She focused her life on teaching and healing people in times of need and debated current topics for those up to the challenge.
She attended the University of Minnesota and studied Psychology. After receiving her Masters she went on to complete most of her PhD. However, priorities changed for Diane, and family and work became her focus. In 1975, she and her husband Bob moved to Bayfield to live, work and sail. The beauty of the Apostle Islands and people of Northern Wisconsin created a bond that would keep her there to the end.
Diane worked for New Horizons in Ashland and made many friendships with people of all walks of life. She earned respect from all who knew her. When her family grew old enough, Diane and Bob made a major life change: Bob accepted a position with the National Park Service to work in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Relocation was by sailing their 42-feet boat over the course of a year through the Great Lakes, down the east coast and across the open ocean to the Virgin Islands. They sailed through a life-changing hurricane in huge waves and wind that almost did them in. Although the tropical island of St. Johns was beautiful, they missed their life in Northern Wisconsin. After several years, they packed up and moved back to Bayfield.
After returning, Diane started her own business and became a successful organizational consultant. She taught leadership and communication skills that were focused on helping businesses become more successful and profitable through empowering employees. Diane also is the founder of Potter’s Farm in the Town of Washburn, where she created a nonprofit spiritual retreat center. Potter’s Farm was created as a place where people in alignment with the farm’s mission could celebrate and experience nature, find respite and healing and celebrate life through spiritual connections with others. Her journey to Potters Farm is described in her book Blindwalk to Potters Farm.
Due to an extended illness, Diane moved to Montana to be close to family and heal. After healing she moved back to Washburn where she taught Psychology at WITC in Ashland until retirement and since then served as President of the Washburn Chamber of Commerce. As an ordained minister, she performed dozens of marriages. At the age of 75, she went skydiving for the first time. She loved the area, the people of the area, family, her pet schipperkes, Lake Superior, sailing and helping people. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by a son, Scott Payne (Ann) of Twin Bridges, Mont.; a daughter, Tara Payne (Nick) of Pollack Pines, Calif.; three grandchildren, Jarrett Payne, Leah Payne and Althea Running.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A wake is planned for Diane on June 7 at 2 p.m. at the McGrath House in Washburn. A potluck with music is planned and all friends of Diane are welcome. A celebration of Diane’s spiritual life is planned for 11 a.m. at Potters Farm on June 7. Close friends of Diane in alignment with the vision of Potter’s Farm are welcome. For those wishing to honor Diane’s memory they may contribute in her name to Potter’s Farm (www.pottersfarm.org).
Arrangements are by the Bratley Funeral Home in Washburn.
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