Mariann Ida (Dieken) Vandeputte

Mariann Ida (Dieken) Vandeputte was born on September 15, 1923, to Peter and Ida (Boncquet) Dieken at Green Valley, Minnesota. She attended grade school in Green Valley and St. Joseph Academy of Holy Redeemer, and graduated from Marshall High School.

Special among her childhood memories was tending sheep and lambs on their family farm; thus, her chosen theme of the Good Shepherd.

In 1946, she and Lester Vandeputte were united in Holy Matrimony. Mariann had waited for him to return from serving overseas in World War II. They were blessed with seven children: Joseph, Kathleen, Alyce, Francis, Carolynn, Marjorie and Donna Jo.

As farm wife and mother, Mariann especially enjoyed sewing and gardening, and participated with 4-H projects with her children. Actively involved at Holy Redeemer Church and ever strong in her Catholic faith, she instilled in her family the value of hard work and the power of prayer. She was a lay member of the Schoenstatt Order, a member of Sweet Adelines, and active in the Extension Club.

On March 5, 2024, Mariann joined the Heavenly Choirs, peacefully passing at age 100, surrounded by family, at Prairie Home Fieldcrest Assisted Living in Cottonwood.

Mariann is preceded in death by all of her family of origin, her former husband Lester, infant son Joseph, son Francis and daughter-in-law Mary (his wife), and great-granddaughter Isabella Conneran. She is survived by her daughters Kathleen (Burkhard) Vandeputte-Drees, Alyce Dierickx, Carolynn Bieker (Dean Pouliot), Marjorie Mukomela (Gary Bertsch), Donna Jo Vandeputte; 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Mariann was a special woman, loved and admired by many. Blessed be her memory in peace.

On March 16, 2024, the Funeral Mass was held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Marshall. Interment took place at St. Clotilde Catholic Cemetery, Green Valley.

Memorials preferred to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Holy Redeemer Catholic School, or the Salesian Missions.