Diane Marie Morken – OBIT

Diane Marie Morken, 70, of Fisher, MN, passed away Sunday evening, February 11, 2024, in the Halstad (MN) Living Center with her loving husband, David, and their children by her side.

Diane was born in Crookston, MN on December 26, 1953, the daughter of Henry and Myrtle (Hegge) Moen. While growing up with her 8 siblings on the family farm in Vineland Township, near Climax, MN, she was baptized and confirmed in the Sand Hill Lutheran Church. Diane would later graduate from Climax High School as a member of the Class of 1971. While in high school she played trombone in the school’s band, active in FFA and many other clubs. She also did baby sitting and cleaning for neighbors. And especially enjoyed summers at the Farmers Union Camp. She was later employed at the Pizza Plaza in Crookston where she met a young man from Crookston, MN by the name of David Morken who captured her heart. On September 2, 1972 Diane and Dave were married at the Sand Hill Lutheran Church. Soon after they moved to their new farmstead home in Roome Township, near Fisher, where in years to come their marriage would be blessed by the births of Cathleen, Jason, Sarah, and Rachel. Life on their busy farm meant cooking for the harvest crew and Diane’s breakfast sandwiches were always a big hit. She would also run the roto-beater for Dave or help out wherever she was needed. Diane loved cooking and baking for her family and hosting everyone for holiday gatherings were the best of times. Her home-made bread and buns, meals, and carrot cake became all-time family favorites. Diane’s family focused life centered around being “Nana” to her 5 grandsons, who brought her great joy. She kept up with their days and activities and enjoyed spoiling them with their favorite sweet treats.

Diane loved spending time tending her beautiful flower beds and vegetable gardens. Canning and sharing what she grew, including her famous salsa, brought as much joy to her as it did to others. She treasured longtime friendships shared with her neighbors as their Birthday Club would regularly get together to celebrate. Faith was an important part of Diane’s life; from her early years at Sand Hill Lutheran Church to her later years at the Fisher Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and was a member of WELCA. She especially looked forward to the annual Spring Luncheons they would host for the community.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the facilities that provided care to Diane in her final years, Edgewood Vista in East Grand Forks, Halstad Living Center and Red River Valley Hospice. She was blessed by wonderful caregivers.

Diane will be sadly missed by David, the love of her life for over 51 years; their 4 children and spouses: Cathleen and Greg Krauter of Waverly, NE, Jason and Kristin Morken of Fisher, MN, Sarah and Jeremy Lee of Brooks, MN, and Rachel and Donovan Larson of Weeping Water, NE; their 5 beloved grandsons: Jacob and Simon Krauter and Ben, Ethan, and Logan Lee; and her siblings and spouses: Mylan and Janet Moen of Bemidji, MN, Sandra and Fabian Yanez of Campbell, MN, Rick and Judy Moen of Climax, MN, Bonnie and Joe Munn of Crookston, MN, Julie Dale of Climax, and Karen Vedbraaten of Lengby, MN; sister-in-law, Phyllis Moen of Minneapolis, MN; and brother-in-law, Ervin Fahrenkrug of Colorado Springs, CO; as well as, many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Myrtle Moen; brother, Arnold Moen; sister, Janice Fahrenkrug; parents-in-law, Stanley and Mildred Morken; brother-in-law, Keith Dale, aunt, Pearl Laines, nephew, Eric Munn, and niece, Melanie Moen

May God richly bless the memory of Diane Marie (Moen) Morken.

A Memorial Service celebrating Diane’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 15, 2024, in the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, Crookston, MN, with Celebrant Trey Everett, officiating. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the funeral. There will not be any livestreaming. Memorials may be given in Diane’s name to the Sand Hill Lutheran Church Sunday School, Halstad Living Center, or Fisher Lutheran Church WELCA. Messages of condolence may be given to the family on Diane’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com