Diane Ruth Manwarren, daughter of Cletus and Shirley (Carlsen) Marks, was born on November, 7, 1955, in Westbrook, Minnesota. Growing up, she was a member of the Wykoff Methodist Church. She received her education in Wykoff, Minnesota and graduated from Wykoff High School in 1974. Following graduation, she received her associate’s degree in office administration from the Spencer School of Business.
In 1987, she met Ernest “Ernie” Manwarren at the Clay County Fair where his mother, Nettie, introduced them. On July 7, 1989, Diane was united in marriage to Ernie in Emmetsburg, Iowa, where they made their home. Together, they were blessed with three children, Megan, Mathia and Justin.
She loved going to the fair and enjoying “Tom Thumb Donuts”, attending different concerts, and even served at the Pork Tenderloin stand for numerous years. She also loved playing BINGO anywhere she could, going to the casino to play slots at her favorite machine, completing crossword puzzles, and shopping.
She was a very talented seamstress and could often stitch back together something that needed fixed whether it was by sewing or cross-stitching. Diane also greatly enjoyed reading and had her own little library, but most of all, spending time with her family. She served at Palo Alto County Health Services in environmental services where she assisted in maintaining the facility until her retirement in 2020.
Diane passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at her home in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 70. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie Manwarren; parents, Cletus and Shirley Marks; and sister, Dawn Lacher.
She is survived by her children, Megan (Devin) Moon of Spencer, Iowa, Mathia (Angel) Nieves of Emmetsburg, Iowa and Justin Manwarren of Emmetsburg, Iowa; four grandchildren, Norina and Brextyn Moon and Joshua and Amelia Nieves; siblings, Doug (Dar) Marks of Wasilla, Alaska, Denise Marks of Bloomington, Minnesota, Dave (Colleen) Marks of Ostrander, Minnesota, and Dale (Mickey) Marks of Clay Center, Kansas; close friend, Diana Curry; several nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.
