Diane Joan Mayer, 65, of Akeley, Minnesota, died on Friday, September 3, 2004 at Woodrest Health Care Center in Walker, Minnesota, result of cancer.

Diane was born September 11, l938 in Iron Mountain, Michigan the daughter of Harold and Leon (Ballard) Duke.  She grew up and attended grade school in the Kingsford, Michigan area. She graduated from high school in Liberty, Missouri.  Diane was united in marriage to Eugene Kargel on April 12, l957.  This union was blessed with three children.  They made their home in Hackensack, Minnesota while Diane was employed at the Ah-Gwah-Ching Center in Walker, Minnesota.  On October 7, 1970, Diane married Edson Mayer.  They owned and operated Ed’s bait and tackle store in Hackensack where Diane enjoyed the company of friends and customers.  In l995 they retired from the business and moved to Ham Lake, near Akeley, Minnesota where they have lived to the present time. 

Diane had a great love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She spent many hours sewing and crafting for everyone.  She enjoyed deer hunting, although she was not successful in harvesting a deer.  Diane also enjoyed swimming, cooking, and caring for all her family.

She is survived by her husband, Ed of Akeley; 2 daughters – Deborah (Michael) Jackson of Nevis, MN; Susan (Thomas) Marvin of Park Rapids, MN; and 1 son, Russell (Raven) Kargel of Belgrade, Montana; 3 sisters, Betty (John) Phillips of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Delores (Kenneth) Brodhagen of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Dorothy (Harold) Duke of Niagara, Wisconsin;  many nieces and nephews.

 Memorial services will be held on Thursday, September 9, 2004 at 3:00 PM at the Cease Family Funeral Chapel in Nevis, Minnesota with Rev. Barry Klein officiating.  Organist will be Barb Hanson and soloist will be Diane Saak.  Honorary pallbearers will be all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step grandchildren. A gathering of family and friends will be at the Mayer residence following the service.