Born Nov. 3,1924, in Chicago, Illinois. She was the daughter of Leo and Sophia Biegalski Jaroszewski. She married Gordon (Wally) Dysthe on August 24,1946 at Sacred Heart Church in Chicago, Illinois. As an infant, she moved with her parents to Elmwood Park, Ill., where she grew up and attended grade school. In 1938, she moved with her family to Chicago and attended McKinnly High School. She worked at Onsrud Machine Works which resulted in the loss of her pinkie. After marriage, Della and Wally moved to Iona, where she was a homemaker and worked for two years for Penne Frock in Slayton, Mn. She was an active member of St. Columba Church and the Council of Catholic Women, and a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary in Iona. She was a dedicated member of the Quilting Guild of Iona Church. She enjoyed Wednesday night get-togethers with her lady friends at Kadupers in Iona. In 2022 she entered the Maple Lawn Senior Care Center in Fulda, Mn. She was well loved and cared for. She loved the staff as much as they loved her.
Surviving are her daughter, Sharon Peterson (Jim), Iona and one sister, Joyce (Jim) Gembeck, Sugar Grove, Illinois; three grandsons, Troy (Diane) Diedrich, North Mankato, Mn., Tim (Carolyn) Diedrich, Luverne, Mn and Tom (Kristy) Diedrich, Lakeville, Mn; seven great-grandchildren, Mitchell (Liz) Diedrich, Ashley (Nathan) Promes, Joseph Diedrich, Courtney Diedrich, Grant (Megan) Diedrich, Andrew (Katie) Diedrich, Teegan Diedrich; and three great-great-grandchildren, Silas, Ellie and Hazel. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Wally, who passed away in 2001, her parents, Leo and Sophia; her parents-in-law, John and Lena Dysthe; her brother, Leo; an infant brother and infant sister; her son-in-law Joe Diedrich; and many nieces and nephews along with many lifetime friends.
She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting, gardening and spending lots of time with her grandsons, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Later in life, she spent her time watching the Minnesota Twins, playing Bingo with her friends at Maple Lawn Senior Care and a competitive game of Farkle with her family. She also enjoyed bus trips with her friends to local casinos. Surrounded by her family, Della passed away on September 14, 2026, at the Murray County Medical Center at the age of 101 years and 315 days. She will be greatly missed by many. Blessed be her memory.
Funeral Services were at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, MN on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Peter Schuster officiating. The organist was Sharon Lais. The song leader was Sheila Crowley. The pallbearer were her great grandchildren. The honorary pallbearers were Troy Diedrich, Tim Diedrich, Tom Diedrich, Jack Van Eck, and Bob Quaintance. Interment is at St. Columba Cemetery in Iona, MN.
Visitation was one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton was entrusted with arrangements. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com
