Martinka, Diane Louise February 14, 1934-December 6, 2020 Diane Louise Martinka, 86, of Chanhassen, entered eternal life on December 6 following a long, hard- fought battle with Parkinson's disease. She passed away at home with family at her side and enveloped in prayer.

Diane was born on February 14, 1934, in Graceville, Minnesota, to James Leigh and Gertrude Lillian (Bongard) Lockwood.

A country girl at heart, she grew up on a farm with her siblings Birdie, Fred, and Jim, attended a one-room schoolhouse in Otrey Township, and graduated as class salutatorian from Ortonville High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Business Education from Concordia College in Moorhead in 1956. During that time, she spent two summers working at Yellowstone National Park with her college roommate. Diane later completed a Master's degree in Education at the University of Minnesota- Duluth in the midst of a vibrant teaching career as a reading specialist serving a number of public school systems. She was especially proud of her work at the Shakopee Women's Correctional Facility, where she developed the in-house library and helped inmates complete their high school education, with many also beginning college courses.

Diane met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) E. Martinka, at a teacher's conference near Alexandria. They were married on June 16, 1958, at Holy Trinity Church in New Ulm and spent the first two years of their life together in Malta while Bob was on a faculty exchange program. They built a rich legacy including seven daughters, two sons, and a strong partnership that exemplified commitment, perseverance, and enduring love.

Diane was a woman of devout faith and longtime member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Excelsior. She often imagined heaven as a place abundant with cherry blossoms, like the ones at the Minnesota Arboretum, where she and Bob enjoyed countless scenic drives and walks together.

Music, poetry, and art were integral to Diane's life. A beautiful vocalist, she directed church choirs and filled her home with joyful melodies. She enjoyed scrap-booking, writing poetry, making jewelry collages, and transforming old curtains into doll clothes and costumes for the annual family Christmas pageant. She also loved to read, devouring everything from the greatest in classical literature to biographies of world leaders, female pioneers and celebrities to the daily newspaper comic section. She had an infectious laugh that couldn't stop once started, often leaving her with a red nose and everyone within earshot in giggles.

A radiant and humble soul, Diane will be remembered forever for her engaging smile and luminous spirit.

Diane is survived by her husband of 62 years, Robert; their nine children, Mary Martinka-Haun (Jim), Benedict (Anesha), Teresa Simonett (Mike), Elizabeth Mancini (Jim), Robert (Ann), Birdie Breiner (Michael), Amy Knebel (Bob), Julie Severson (Mike), and Katie Stricklin (Jason); her brother, James (Lenore) Lockwood; and enough grandkids, great grandkids, nieces and nephews to fill a cathedral choir loft. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, sister and brother-in-law Birdie and Justin Scholberg, and brother Fred (Nola) Lockwood.

Mass of Christian Burial for immediate family and parishioners at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Excelsior on Fri., Dec. 18 at 12:00 noon, with Rosary Service at 11:30 AM. Internment at Resurrection Cemetery, Shorewood, immediately after. Memorials preferred to St. John's Church, Sharing & Caring Hands, or one of the Right to Life services.

Access links to Livestream of service and family video tribute via huberfunerals.com. 952-949-4970

Published on December 13, 2020