Diana M. Berman

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Diana M. Berman, 90, Grand Forks and formerly of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, at the Valley Eldercare Center. Diana Mae Bowen was born Nov. 1, 1918 in Minneapolis, the daughter of Wilbur and Katherine (Towler) Bowen. Diana grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from the University of Minnesota. She was united in marriage to Vernon Tollefson on May 22, 1942 in Gillette, WY. She was a life long Art Educator as well as being an Artist and Poet. Diana began teaching at Belle Fourche (SD) High School in 1942, and then taught extension classes at Black Hills State, Spearfish, SD, as a young woman. She taught in Lead, SD and then served as the Art Director of the Rapid City Public Schools where she became the TV Art Teacher for the University of South Dakota. She later taught high school art at Rapid City (SD) Central High School and also at the Eagle Butte (SD) Agency High School. Diana completed her education career as a Professor of Art at Black Hills State University. Local residents may remember seeing her on public television art programs as "Draw With Me" and "Just Imagine." She married Morris Berman in 1998. Survivors include her children, Randi (Larry) Braford of East Grand Forks, Gary (Connie) Tollefson of Austin, CO, Karen Long of Alsea, OR and Selene (Jack) Dunn of Moore, MT; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Diana is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Donna; and husbands, Vernon Tollefson and Morris Berman. Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Good Samaritan Heritage Grove Chapel, 2122 River Road, NW, East Grand Forks, MN. Visitation will be for one hour before services. An online guestbook is available at www.stennesfuneralhome.com