Diane P. (Stromback) Mork

Diane Pauline Mork, 80, of Austin, MN, died peacefully after a long illness on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, surrounded by her family. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.

Diane was born on October 24, 1942. She graduated from Pine Island High School in the class of 1960, and trained at the Rochester Beauty School. She married her sweetheart Milford Mork Jr., on October 20, 1961. Diane raised four amazing children, mostly alone due to Milford’s vocation as a long haul truck driver. 

Plus, she pursued many artistic and entrepreneurial ventures. To name a few: She sold Avon products. She provided haircuts and styling. She painted. She decorated for Christmas. She earned a Master Gardener certification. She grew many kinds of gardens and sold produce at farmers markets. She started her own greenhouse business. She beaded earrings and necklaces. She crocheted scarves and blankets. She collected and polished rocks. She listened to many kinds of music ranging from the likes of Tammy Wynette to Prince. As an avid Elvis Presley fan, she enjoyed attending concerts performed by ETAs (Elvis Tribute Artists), and was an active member of the Brad Boice fan club. 

Diane was a key partner in the Milford Mork Trucking business. She was the accountant, dispatcher, navigator, and trusted advisor. The year her youngest child moved out of the house, she signed up for truck driving school at Riverland Community College. She and Milford went on the road together, taking turns at the wheel on cross country deliveries. With Diane’s five foot height, Milford attached blocks to the semi’s accelerator and brake so she could reach.

If Diane had a motto it might be this: “Meet new friends and keep the old, one is silver the other is gold.” Diane cherished her friends. School friends, church friends, family friends, trucker friends, garden friends, Arizona friends, Elvis friends, neighbor friends, nursing staff friends. The motto is also true to Diane in a literal way. As a jewelry maven, Diane also liked actual silver and gold. 

Diane is survived by children Terri Mork Speirs (Robert), Thomas (Gretchen) Mork, Milford Mork III (known as Trey), and Russell Mork; grandchildren Amanda, Aidan, Priscilla, Danielle, Brandee, Ashley, Paige, Aaron, Mackenzie, and Mallory; great grandchildren Kylee, Averie, Hunter, Bailey, Avery, and Owen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Milford Mork Jr, parents Gladys (Potucek) and Adolph Stromback, brothers Robert Stromback and Larry Stromback, sister-in-law Nancy Stromback, and great-grandson Charlie. 

Diane’s family and friends are invited to a celebration of life on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at the United Methodist Church of Dexter, Minnesota. The schedule follows:

10 - 11 a.m. - Family Visitation at the church

11 a.m. - Memorial Service

11:30 a.m. - Processional to the Dexter Cemetery

Noon (or so) - Burial at the Dexter Cemetery

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (or so) - “Hotdish” comfort food lunch

The family would like to thank the staff of Cedars Senior Living Community in Austin, Minn., for the kindness and care extended to Diane. Gifts in memory of Diane may be given to the United Methodist Church of Dexter or the Austin Humane Society.

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