Ellen M. Diischer

Ellen M. Diischer, age 72 of Hastings, passed away peacefully at Hastings Senior Health and Living on Sunday morning, February 11, 2024.

Ellen Maureen Diischer was born October 21, 1951, to Duane and Annetta (Vander Waal) Tupper in Volga, SD. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Volga. Ellen graduated from Sioux Valley High School in Volga in 1969. She attended South Dakota State University, graduating with a double major in vocal and instrumental music in 1973. At college, she met her wonderful best friend, John Diischer, and they were united in marriage on July 7, 1974 in Clear Lake, SD.

While accompanying John in his Air Force career, Ellen had the opportunity to teach music in many different settings, including public schools, university, and churches. Ellen received a Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of North Dakota. She served as a guest conductor and clinician at many musical contests and workshops. While living in England, she received a Commendation for Outstanding Teaching from the United States Department of Defense Dependents Schools. She also received a Chaplain’s Award for outstanding service to military chapels.

Ellen and John’s sons were born at opposite parts of the United States: John Matthew was born in Grand Forks, ND, and Mark Byron was born in Tucson, AZ. The family lived in Grand Forks, ND, Tucson, AZ, Sawtry, England, and after John retired from the Air Force, they lived in Hastings, MN. Ellen, John, and “the boys” shared many adventures throughout these times, meeting new people and making new friends wherever they lived. Matt and Mark also attended South Dakota State University, so the family has great memories of attending concerts, participating in musical performances, and sharing stories of college life.

Ellen was privileged to play and teach oboe throughout her life. Ellen’s private oboe studio was known for fostering musical excellence, including many of her students earning placements in All-State and Honor Band ensembles. She directed choirs of all ages and served for over 45 years as a leader, staff member, and choral conductor at Rushmore Music Camp in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Ellen served as Director of Music at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church in Hastings, MN for 28 years, leading the Church Choirs, growing the Children’s Choir, and establishing a Handbell Choir. Ellen was known for directing annual Children’s Musicals that had a significant impact on the youth of the congregation and in the greater Hastings community. Ellen enjoyed playing her oboe in numerous orchestras, reading, and sewing, but the thing she enjoyed the most was spending time with her family.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, sister Karen, parents-in-law John F. (Jack) and Alice Diischer, brother-in-law Michael Diischer, her grandparents, and many other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ellen is survived by her husband, John, sons John Matthew and daughter-in-law, Becky (Jungman), West Fargo, ND, Mark, Hastings, MN, her brother, Loren Tupper and his wife Becky (Roe), Bartlesville, OK, nieces Jessica (Craig) Sundberg, Broken Bow, OK, Kristina Tupper, Bartlesville, OK, and Roberta (Greg) Eberhard, Tulsa, OK, great-nieces Alyson Sundberg and Lauren Eberhard, and great-nephews Ryan Sundberg, Silas and Lincoln Eberhard, aunt and uncle Jackie and Richard Tupper, Rapid City, SD, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Charmaine Diischer, Pocahontas, IA, Mary and Jeff Triplett, Hill City, SD, Nancy and Gary Hartsock, Urbandale, IA, and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Ellen's Life will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2024, at St. Philip's Lutheran Church in Hastings, with Pastor Gregory Geier officiating. Private family interment will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at a later date.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening, February 29, 2024. There will not be a visitation prior to the service at church on Friday morning, however all are welcome to gather at a luncheon immediately following the service for a time of fellowship together.

In lieu of flowers, Ellen has requested that memorials be directed to the American Cancer Society, to ADVANCE in Brookings, SD, or to St. Philip’s Lutheran Church in Hastings, MN.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.