Diana Jo de Leon

Diana Jo de Leon, or 'Jo' to those that know and love her, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones at home on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. She was 70 years old. 

Jo was born in Hibbing, Minnesota to Richard and Marilyn Milovich One of six children. Jo was athletic and loved to play sports in her youth. Most notably, she was among the first to compete in an organized girl's hockey league. She graduated from Hibbing Highschool in 1974 and later graduated from Inver Hills Community College. 

Although short, Jo's first marriage culminated in the joyful birth of her first son Shide Timmons. Then in 1984, Jo met the true love of her life, Steven de Leon of South St. Paul. They married on June 6,1987 and had two more sons; Steve and Sam. Jo earned her nursing license while working full time as an LPN at a senior living facility while raising their two young boys. She became an RN in 1995. Jo had a heart to help those in need and served as a nurse at Bethesda Hospital for a number of years before retiring in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. Alongside her husband, she contributed many hours and miles on the road to an old family business, Hibbing Taxi Company. 

In 1991, Jo and Steve bought their first home in Cottage Grove. Jo had a passion for gardening, creating beautiful flower gardens around her yard. She loved attending her children and grandchildren's sporting events to cheer them on with an enthusiastic, "GO WOLFPACK!" 

Above all, her favorite pastime was spending time with her family, hosting many family events that have become cherished memories. Jo was loving, kind, welcoming and generous. She taught both her children and grandchildren the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Steven de Leon; parents Richard and Marilyn Milovich. 

Jo is survived by her three children, Shide, Steve (Kristin), and Sam; grandchildren Alexis, Shawn, Shiann, Elena, Blake, and Cameron; siblings, Debra Mendaz, Jena Rosati, Richard Milovich, Terri (Mario) Rojas, and Michael (Beth) Milovich; 12 nephews; two nieces; and many friends and family. 

Service details will be announced at a later date.