Diane Marie Marek

Diane Marie Marek (Hare), 80, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Diane was born on September 18, 1945, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Lyle and Lillian (Nemeth) Hare. Growing up in a small town, she dreamed of experiencing life in the big city. She eventually moved to Chicago, where she taught computer languages and met the love of her life, John Walter Marek. The two were married on November 15, 1975, and recently celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage.

After welcoming their children, Diane and John spent several years in Smithville, Missouri, before making Colorado their home in 1983. They settled in Highlands Ranch, where they shared 43 happy years together in the same home. Diane later worked as a cost accountant and, in her younger years, loved spending time skiing on the beautiful slopes of the Rocky Mountains.

Diane found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved traveling, spending time in the mountains, cooking, and opening her home to family and friends. Holidays and special occasions were always made more memorable because of her thoughtful touch. She treasured her annual girls' trips with lifelong friends she had known since high school and could always be counted on to bring laughter, warmth, and a smile wherever she went. More than anything, Diane was devoted to the people she loved. She was a loving wife, an incredible mother, a proud and doting grandmother, a loyal sister, and a cherished friend. She also adored her four-legged grandchildren, who held a special place in her heart.

Diane is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, John Marek; her children, Jon Marek (Sarah) of Elizabeth, Colorado, Kirsten Marek of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and Courtney Nichols (Rory) of Aurora, Colorado; her treasured granddaughter, Collins Marek of Elizabeth, Colorado; her brother, Daniel Hare (Vicki) of Centennial, Colorado, and her sister Pamela Hare of Centennial, Colorado; She is also lovingly remembered by her extended family: Mark and Lisa Marek of Overland Park, Kansas; Carol Marek of St. Joseph, Missouri; Carla Marek of Las Vegas, Nevada; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Lillian Hare; her brothers, David Hare, William “Bill” Hare, and John "Jack" Hare; her in-laws Louis and Helen Marek, her sister-in-law Susie Hare and her brother-in-law, Louis Marek II.

Diane's kindness, generosity, laughter, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Dementia Society of America

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society