Dianna Ylinen

At a young age, her parents divorced, and she and her mother moved to Rochester, MI, where Dianna was raised. Dianna graduated from Rochester High School in 1962.

After graduation, Dianna enrolled at Northern Michigan University and immediately fell in love with the Upper Peninsula. She worked in the Job Corps program and had several other jobs in the Marquette area.

In 1969, Dianne met Dennis Ylinen while in Marquette. This is where their lifelong journey began. Dianna and Dennis married on July 10th, 1971, at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey, MI.

Dianna and Dennis lived in Marquette for one year, before purchasing a farmhouse in Sundell, MI. While in Sundell, Dianna worked for the Catholic Diocese in Harvey, MI and at the KI Sawyer Airforce base.

Dennis’s job brought him and Dianna to Manistique, MI in 1976, where they purchased their forever home on Smith Lake. This is where they would raise their two sons.

Dianna worked for the probate and circuit courts in Manistique.

Dianna gave birth to her first son, Zachary, on May 26th, 1977. Soon after that she gave birth to her second son, Jonathan, on September 14, 1978. Dianna then became a full-time mother, the best job she ever had!

Dianna enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and caring for her several pets throughout the years. She also enjoyed the nature and wildlife that surrounded their home. In later years, Dianna became very active at the Manistique Senior Center, serving as a board member for several years.

Dianna enjoyed watching her sons mature into the wonderful fathers they are today.

Dianna is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Dennis; and her sons, Zachary (Danielle), Jonathan (Elizabeth), and grandchildren; Isaac, Caleb, Isabelle, and Maverick. Dianna also leaves behind a number of cousins in Rochester, MI. Remaining with Dennis at Smith Lake, Dianna’s beloved Labrador Retriever, Lilly Rose.

Dianna was preceded in death by her mother, father, stepfather, Louis Minnie, close cousins Jackie and Bill, and several aunts.

In accordance with Dianna’s wishes, there will be no services at this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dianna’s memory may be made to St. Francis Food Pantry, St. Jude’s Research Hospital, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, or to the family.

The family would like to thank Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care in her final hours, and her close family and friends for their lifetime of love and support.

Fausett Family Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.