People passing through the large first-floor space at East Side Neighborhood Services (ESNS) will notice the twin double glass doors have newly-etched signage: “Diane Loeffler Community Room.”
Acting ESNS President Mary Anstett opened a gathering of more than 50 people there on Saturday, April 22, to dedicate the space and its new name, saying: “What Diane believed in was health and human services, fair taxes for everybody, and this space, this room, is a perfect space to be named after her. Every month in this room we have town hall meetings, neighborhood gatherings, caretakers’ support groups, we even have a home brewers’ club.”
She added that ESNS’s Menlo Park alternative high school graduations take place there winter and summer. “These are kids that are challenging the education system. And we have such a wonderful opportunity to be able to make sure that they get a diploma and to continue being socially good. There are hip hop dance classes, baptisms, wedding receptions and a line-dancing afternoon tea for LGBTQ seniors. And so we were very, very honored to be able to host her celebration of life when she passed, and we are just so thrilled to be able to carry on her name and her legacy in the work that we’re doing.”
Diane’s husband Mike Vennewitz, who was present, had asked people to consider supporting the organization and the work Diane championed for Northeast and the city at large. Contributions will be matched whole after reaching $50,000 from an Otto Bremer Trust Grant. Loeffler passed away in 2019.
Diane’s sister Elaine Loeffler was also present; she mentioned, “There is a special garden that a wonderful human being named Marcia has continued cultivating in Diane’s honor at their home at 2245 Ulysses Street Northeast. Things will start coming up out of the ground and paying tribute to Diane in the right way with her love for nature, gardening and the river itself.”
State Senator Mary Kunesh said that she served with Loeffler for four years, adding that Loeffler’s experience and her knowledge in health and human services was absolutely vital to her. “I was a new member on that committee and often didn’t know the history – even the subject matter a lot of times – and I would send little notes to Diane. She was my pathway to understanding the issues.”
Kunesh said she had spoken with Loeffler on the day she died.
Minnesota State Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, who was unable to attend, sent a message: “Diane shared the Eastside Neighborhood Services mission at the Capitol … and especially her public health knowledge.
“She was always active in the community and promoted all that is good about America. It is fitting to have the room dedicated for her here at another longtime vital part of the neighborhood.”
Left, the entrance to the newly named Diane Loeffler Room at ESNS. Right, about 50 friends attended the dedication. (Photos by Mark Peterson)