Dianne K. Staples, 77, of Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Bloomington, MN, passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Altru Hospital of Grand Forks.

Dianne Kay Staples was born November 29, 1947 in Grand Forks to John "Jack" and Shirley (Ness) Staples. Dianne spent most of her childhood in Duluth, MN graduating from East High School in 1965. Following high school, the family moved several times, with Dianne eventually settling in Bloomington, MN. She returned to live in Grand Forks in 2017, after the passing of her mother.

Dianne was known for her humor, kindness and love of animals. She was a lifelong Cleveland Brown's fan who worried she brought them bad luck (when actually they did that on their own). In later years, she was an active participant in the Grand Forks Parkinson's support classes, making new friends as she went. She had a remarkable memory, and would amaze family with quick, detailed recall of long-ago events or conversations. If you crossed paths with Dianne, she remembered you.

Dianne spent her entire professional life at New York Life Insurance Company: first in Cleveland, then Boston, and finally Bloomington. Perhaps more important than the work she did were the lifelong friendships she made there. Dianne stayed connected to them, sharing life updates, memories and jokes decades into retirement. Colleagues described her as kind, loyal, and "a sweetheart". They were not wrong.

Dianne was devoted to her family, both two legged and four legged. She was always game for an outing or family event, and often was the first to say "I'll go!" when an activity was proposed. When health prevented travel, she cherished giving and getting updates by phone about family weddings, births and of course, pet adoptions. Dianne loved her family and friends, and they loved her.

Dianne is survived by her sister Terri Staples (Jim Pender) of East Grand Forks and many cousins, nieces, and nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Shirley Staples. The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff at Wheatland Terrace, Altru Hospital and the YMCA Parkinson's Support Staff.

MEMORIALS: Any charity supporting Parkinson's care or the care of animals.

INTERMENT: A family graveside service at Teien Covenant Cemetery, rural Drayton, will be scheduled later this summer.