Diann F. (Marker) Zens, 83, of Redfield, SD, passed away Monday, April 14, 2025, with her husband of 66 years, Dean, holding her hand at their apartment at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield.  Following Diann's wishes, she has been cremated, and there will be no services.  Her cremains will be scattered on her grandson's grave on the family farm.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

Diann Fay Marker was born January 24, 1942, in Faulkton to Rex and Mildred (Ickler) Marker. She grew up south of Rockham, SD, and later in Miranda, spending her childhood helping in her parent's restaurant while attending Faulkton school.

On July 2, 1958, she was united in marriage to Dean Zens in Pierre, South Dakota. To this union, 5 children were born. They raised their children while farming south of Zell before buying their own farm south of Rockham. Diann enjoyed raising her children and chickens, gardening, and cooking for everyone.  Family was very important to Diann, she looked forward to hosting large family dinners with her grandchildren, who all had their own special tasks.

Diann lived on the farm until moving into Eastern Star Assisted Living in January 2025.

Grateful for having shared Diann's life is her husband, Dean and their children: Pat (Sheri) Zens, Doug (Jackie) Zens and Darla Seitz; a daughter in-law, Janelle Zens; her grandchildren: Ryan (Lisa) Zens, Mindy (Josh Hartman) Zens, Courtney (Jared Kuehn) Nelson, Megan (Greg) Rhodes, Brett (Stephanie) Gueke, Summer (Chad) Wells, Seth (Ashley) Gueke, Amber (Kelly) Siebrecht, Chris (Angela) Zens, Jasmine Decker, Jordan (Lauren) Zens, Carly (Chris) Langston, Cali (Jorge) Sanchez, and in grandpa Deans words, "A slew of great and great-great grandkids". To be exact, 42 great-grandkids, 8 great-great-grandkids, and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Diann in death are her parents, siblings, brothers, and sisters-in-law; sons, Paul and Virgil; son-in-law Brian Seitz; grandsons Levi, Jon Nelson, and Isaac Appel.