Diane Marie Bronk

Diane Marie Bronk passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the age of 84.

She was born on January 29, 1942, in Rochester, MN, to Henry and Estella Smith. She graduated from Lourdes High School in Rochester in 1960.

In 1962, Diane met John Bronk while dancing at the Pla-Mor Ballroom. The two married on February 8, 1964, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester, MN. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband. Diane and John said the rosary together every day since they were engaged.

Diane was a great woman of faith, and she loved her family most. She especially adored all 26 of her grandchildren.

Diane was a pillar of support and guidance in her many roles at St. Mary's Church and a dedicated Religious Education Teacher in Mazeppa. Her commitment to her faith and her church community knew no bounds, as she joyfully immersed herself in church activities and the Teams of Our Lady Organization for over 35 years. Outside of her devoted service, Diane found joy in bowling, fishing, gardening, sewing, crocheting, and cooking. She had a special talent for baking (her family will miss her chocolate chip cookies and pies) and a love for flowers.

Over the years, Diane and John made great memories at the family cabin on Lake Kabetogama where they spent summers enjoying family and fishing.

Diane is survived by her husband of 62 years, John B. Bronk; children, John M. (Patricia) Bronk, Steve Bronk, Greg (Stacey) Bronk, Chris (Mia) Bronk, Jen (Thad) Welch, and Sandy (Jeff) Smith; grandchildren, Kaitlin, Sarah, Alyssa, Hannah, Elizabeth, Emily, Aaron, Ivenson, Allison, Mary, Samuel, Nick, Mariah, Megan, Noah, Nate, Madelyn, Fr. Tim, Cecelia, Gabe, Michael, Grace, Annie, Gianna, Sophia, and Stella; great-grandchildren, Archie, Corwyn, Cayson, Chayse, Kaylee, and Ezra; siblings, Dorothy (Gene) Horsman, Mary Ann Sprau, and Mike (Teri) Smith; and in-laws, Pam Smith, Dale Grabarkiewcz, Rita Brasket, Jane Rolbiecki, Catherine (Dave) Engler, Patrick (Jean) Bronk, and Phyllis (Robert) Schoen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Estella; siblings, Darlene Steck and David Smith; and in-laws, Joyce Grabarkiewicz, Curt Brasket, George (Sheila) Bronk, and James Rolbiecki.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, 4pm-7pm with the rosary at 7pm at Hoff Celebration of Life Center (3480 Service Dr. Winona, MN). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1303 W. Broadway St. Winona, MN) with visitation beginning at 10am. Diane will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family.