Diane Barnes

Diane Minnie (Gertsema) Barnes, age 73 of Milbank, died on September 20, 2019, at Milbank Area Hospital – Avera Health.

Diane’s family will host a Celebration of Diane’s Life on Saturday, September 28, from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Milbank VFW. All relatives and friends are welcome.

Diane was born on September 7, 1946, in Milbank, SD. She was the daughter of William and Minnie (Spahr) Gertsema. She attended school through the 8th grade at Osceola #1, Marvin, SD. Diane was raised in rural Marvin and loved growing up on the farm, especially her horse, King, and her dog, Rinnie. She moved to Twin Brooks SD, with her family in 1965. She was united in marriage with John “Jack” Barnes on October 22, 1966, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank.

Diane lived all her married life in Milbank. She worked several jobs: babysitter, waitress, flag woman for a road construction crew, housekeeper at the Manor Motel and Milbank Hospital from 1988 – 2011. She was an associate member of VVA (Vietnam Veterans of America), and the VFW Auxiliary.

Diane was a great gardener and had beautiful flowers and vegetables that she shared. She loved to travel with the love of her life, Jack. Diane’s family was important to her, they were most prominent in her heart and soul. She was proud grandma and dearly loved her adorable granddaughter, Terra. She enjoyed watching her activities. Diane enjoyed the Friday night drawings at the VFW, with Jack and their friends. Diane loved her two dogs: Bella and Dusty, and they could always be found in her lap.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, John “Jack” Barnes of Milbank, SD; her children: son, Ronald Owen Barnes of Milbank, SD; and daughter, Jacqueline Ann Barnes of Wilmot, SD; her granddaughter, Terra Grace Barnes, of Wilmot, SD; as well as, other relatives and friends. Diane was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Irene Reyelts, Marion Scheff, Larry Gertsema, and Donald Gertsema.