Dianne Aull

Dianne Aull, 74 of Bismarck, ND, died peacefully in her home surrounded by love and family, November 19th, 2024. 

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 106 Osage Ave, Bismarck. 

Family will greet guests one hour prior at the church, a reception will follow the memorial service.

Dianne was born on August 22, 1950 to Olga (Opsal) Johnson and Leslie Johnson in Harvey, ND. She grew up on the Johnson family farm near Manfred, ND alongside her five sisters and brothers. Dianne graduated with a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and later continued her education with an elementary endorsement from the University of Mary and training as a massage therapist.

Dianne and her family farmed from 1976 to 1992 in Wells County. After moving to Bismarck, she served as the Coordinator for Literacy North Dakota and as Executive Director of the North Dakota Center for the Book. Dianne was a successful entrepreneur who owned and operated Kinderbears daycare and preschool in Harvey and The Massage Place and the Smoothie Operator juice bar in Bismarck. She was also a gifted professional musician and educator who taught in the public school system and through Williston State College.

She was active in Vang Lutheran Church and the Manfred and Bismarck communities. She served on the State Board of Massage Therapy, founded the We in Black Peace Vigil, and was a member of numerous civic and professional organizations, including the Sons of Norway, AVVA Chapter 150, and the North Dakota AMTA Chapter.

Dianne was known by those who loved her for her quick wit and good nature, creativity and resourcefulness, generosity, and sage advice. She loved road trips and adventures while raising her children, and in later years hosting family gatherings and spending time with her grandchildren. She instilled in her children the importance of service and love for family, community, and life-long learning and inspired those around her through her life of love and faith in action.

Dianne was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Larry and David Johnson. 

She is survived by her partner, Mark Swartz; children, Kylah, Jessie "Achala", Lindsey, and Ben (Christine); siblings, Laverne (Gwyn Herman) Johnson, Jim (Shirley) Johnson, and Marilyn Sjaastad; and six grandchildren.