Carole A. Diener

Carole A. Diener passed away on August 14, 2026, after a prolonged illness. Carole was born to the late Carl and Donna Kreger on January 19, 1942 in Saginaw, Michigan. She was raised in Hemlock as the oldest of five children, and graduated from Hemlock High School. She married Gary G. Diener of Saginaw, MI on March 11, 1967. He predeceased her on November 5, 2011. They resided in Shields. Carole was a proud and loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Carole worked as a case worker for the State of Michigan Social Services Department. She enjoyed her job and was proud of her work. Carole was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Saginaw. She was an active volunteer at her children’s schools, serving as a Brownie troop leader, a room mother, and chaperone of many school field trips, as well as volunteering at church. Carole was a talented seamstress with a gift for arts and crafts of every kind — including cross stitch, knitting, and painting. There was nothing she couldn't make! Once she discovered quilting, that became her passion. She loved to modify and design her own patterns, she had an eye for colors that worked well together, and she made sure every stitch was perfect. She belonged to multiple quilt bees, and always had a handful of projects underway.

In 2015, after 73 years in Michigan, Carole bravely moved to Prior Lake, Minnesota with her beloved goldendoodle Sophie to be closer to her family. She enjoyed her neighbors in Deerfield and also her local quilt bee. She loved watching her grandchildren participate in their sports and activities.

Carole is survived by her children Michael (Shelly) Diener of Gig Harbor WA, Michelle (Robert) Wales of Prior Lake MN and Karen Diener (Steve Pribyl) of Glenview IL; grandchildren Kennon and Ben Wales, Katie and Jason Pribyl, and Brooke and Stella Klingerman; sisters Barbara Bell and Susan Kunold, brother John (JoAnne) Kreger and many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband and parents, Carole was preceded in death by brother Carl Kreger, brothers-in-law Kim Bell and Ronald Kunold, and sister-in-law Joan Kreger.

The family would like to thank the care team at the Arbor at McKenna Crossing and Optage Hospice for their wisdom, compassion and empathy. Your guidance the past few years is invaluable and we are forever grateful to have found you. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to The Alzheimer's Association or Optage Hospice.

A service will be held on Tuesday, August 25th at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5335 Brockway Rd, Saginaw Michigan. Visitation will be held 2 hours before the service.