Memorial
Diane F. Thurm, 82, of Marion, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Hiawatha Care Center, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.
Services are pending.
Diane was born on September 22, 1943, in Oxford Junction, Iowa, the beloved daughter of Harold and Norma (Mowry) Hall. She graduated from Oxford Junction High School in 1961 before moving to Cedar Rapids, where she began her career working for dentist Dr. Wratten. She later attended St. Luke’s School of Nursing, where she earned her LPN.
Diane continued her nursing career working alongside pediatrician Dr. Flannery. She eventually devoted her time to being a homemaker, creating a warm and loving home while raising her children, Mindy and Chad.
Once her children were older, Diane returned to the workforce, joining OB-GYN Associates and working with Dr. Wessel. During her time there, she was affectionately known as “Lady Di.” Her lighthearted spirit, warm personality, and caring nature made her a beloved colleague, and she shared a special bond with her coworkers, who affectionately referred to themselves as the “Gators.” Diane remained with OB-GYN Associates until her retirement in 2002.
Diane’s nurturing and caring nature continued to shine throughout her life. After retirement, she cherished the opportunity to spend time with her beloved grandsons, creating countless loving memories that will remain with her family forever.
After Diane and Mark officially retired, they spent more than 20 wonderful years as snowbirds in the Naples, Florida, area. Diane embraced every moment of this chapter of her life, continuing to share her zest for life with everyone around her. She loved dancing, laughing, spending time with friends, and taking in the beauty of a breathtaking sunset.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Terry Hall; her sister-in-law, Madelyne Hall; and her beloved pet, Scruffy.
Surviving Diane are her beloved husband, Mark Thurm, her partner in life since their marriage in 1968; her daughter, Mindy (Nate Ulewicz) Thurm of Boca Raton, FL; and her son, Chad (Jane) Thurm of Marion; her grandsons, Marcus, Alex, and Owen Thurm; her brother, Hurley Hall and sister-in-law Carol ‘Buzz’ Brinkman; and extended family members who will forever love and cherish her memory.
Diane will always be remembered as a loving wife, an amazing mother, a dear friend, and a selfless person who always put others before herself. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Hiawatha Care Center for the kindness, care, and compassion they showed to Diane and the Thurm family. They treated Diane as if she were their own mother, providing comfort and support throughout her time there. The kindness and compassion extended to Diane and her family during those difficult days will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations in Diane’s honor be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a charity of your choice.