Emily Kristine Didier

Emily Kristine Didier, age 22 of Lanesboro, passed away unexpectedly October 21, 2023 due to injuries sustained in an auto accident. Emily was born to Amy (Corey) Mattson and Mark (Candi) Sanford on July 10, 2001 in St. Cloud, MN. Emily was born into a loving family, with everyone overjoyed with her arrival. As a child, Emily’s love of music started very early with her constant love of singing and dancing. Emily always loved to have the radio on for the car rides back and forth between visits with the people who loved her the most. Emily’s love for the outdoors grew quickly as she enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, biking, riding horse, and many other activities. Her love of animals was evident early on as she loved to be around horses, her many cats over the years, and lately, her faithful dog Sonora. Emily was baptized and confirmed into the Lord’s family April 19, 2015 at Grace Lutheran Church in Peterson, MN and continued to serve Him as a member of the Praise Team later on at Root River Community Church in Rushford, MN. Emily attended Rushford-Peterson Schools and graduated in 2019, where she was involved heavily in dance team, track, and cross country, even testing the waters in theater and opera performances. Emily excelled in choir, and was a favorite partner of many performers. Emily was no stranger to trying new things, which included self-taught guitar and piano courses. Emily moved on after high school to Rochester to attend RCTC and then to Moorhead to attend Concordia College for Music Education, where she met lifelong friends who meant the world to her. Emily’s free spirit and desire to travel changed her plans and she moved back to the farm just west of Peterson, MN where she continued to impact everyone she met, whether at work at Nordic Lanes or through her ever-growing cleaning business. Emily is considered by many to be the bright spot in their day, and that will never cease.

Emily is survived by her parents, Corey and Amy Mattson (Lanesboro, MN) and Mark and Candi Sanford (West Fargo, ND), her sister Marissa Didier, her brother Sean Vedbraaten, brothers Caden and Tobin Mattson, grandparents Duane and Pat Didier, Lynn Mattson, Pat Mattson, Bob and Sharyl Sanford, Bill Vedbraaten, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many many friends.

Emily was preceded in death by many who loved her, and she is entertaining them all now with her bubbly personality, musical talents, and love that never knew a limit.

Instead of gifts or flowers, if you so choose, please donate in Emily’s name to your local animal shelter, the Rushford-Peterson Choir Program, or the charity of your choice that benefits musical education or animal well-being.

The families would like to thank the first responders, law enforcement, other agencies, and passers-by involved with the accident. Without your professionalism in such a difficult situation, our families would not have closure. We pray for your peace.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 3:00pm at Root River Community Church in Rushford, MN, with Rev. Mike Osterbauer officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 1, from 4-7pm at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.