Diane L. Branch's Obituary
Diane L. (Henriksen) Branch, age 80, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on July 2, 2025.
She was born on October 29, 1944, in Muskegon, MI, to Harvey and Fern (Martz) Henriksen and resided in the picturesque White Lake area (Montague, MI) throughout her youth and later in retirement.
Diane attended Montague High School and went on to graduate from Cook County School of Nursing in Chicago, IL. She had a successful career as an emergency nurse in Muskegon, MI, and later as a mental health nurse in Winona, MN, devoting over 50 years to providing compassionate care to her patients.
Diane had a kind and generous nature with a laugh that was contagious. She absolutely loved the outdoors – whether fishing, camping, gardening, swimming, or sunning on the dock at her lake house. Diane enjoyed traveling with her lifelong friends, reading mystery novels, a good card game, and her weekly trips to the casino. She knew how to knit or crochet just about anything and lovingly gifted her creations to family, friends, and others in need. An accomplished baker, Diane mastered the art of perfecting fudge, pies, mocha cakes – you name it. Oh, and her potato salad and deviled eggs …. We can only hope to do them justice by following her recipe cards.
Diane was a beloved big sister to younger brother “Flip,” spending much of her youth looking after him and returning back to Montague after retirement to share their childhood home together. A self-proclaimed “daddy’s girl,” she was the apple of her father Harvey’s eye. Diane was a true pillar of strength and an accomplished female role model to her niece and goddaughter, Kelly. A devoted mom to her fur-babies, Diane adored her many pets throughout the years including Blackie, Mindy, Cee-Cee, Fred and Big Guy.
Diane is survived by her brother, Phillip Henriksen, Sr.; niece, Kelly Henriksen and nephew, Phillip (Nicole) Henriksen, Jr.; and five great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Harvey C. Henriksen and Fern L. Henriksen.
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE for Diane will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Maple Grove Park, 4655 Goodrich St., Montague, MI 49437.
MEMORIALS to the Newaygo County Compassion Home or the Noah Project will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at https://www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 726-5210
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