Diane Lannette (Suthard) Downare

Diane Lannette Downare, lovingly known to everyone as “Nana,” passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at Sanford Hospital in Bemidji, Minnesota, surrounded by love.

Diane was born to Charles Frank Suthard and Helen Bertha Strathman in Washington, Iowa. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was centered on caring for others and creating a warm, welcoming home.

Diane married the love of her life, Richard Philip Downare, in Englewood, Colorado. Together, they built a life filled with faith, family, and hard work. They were blessed with four children and later relocated to a small farm in Laporte, Minnesota, where they continued raising their family and nurturing strong family values.

To her family, she was simply “Nana”—a name that perfectly reflected her gentle heart, endless patience, and unconditional love. Diane found her greatest joy in her family and was known for her kindness, generosity, comforting presence, and unwavering support. Her home was always a place of love, laughter, and togetherness.

She is survived by her beloved children:

Tanya (Charles) Morris,

Tab (Karen) Downare,

Tyara (Bill) Dunn,

and Taggart (Tammie) Downare;

her loving sister, Donnis Campbell;

and many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will forever treasure their Nana’s love.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Helen Suthard; her husband, Richard Downare; and her siblings, Dolly Goodspeed and Dean Suthard.

A Celebration of Life for “Nana and Papa” will be held on Saturday, May 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Laporte Community Church, where family and friends are invited to gather to honor Diane and Rich, share memories, and celebrate the love they gave so freely.

Diane’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a devoted mother, a cherished grandmother, and the beloved Nana who made everyone feel at home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Diane Lannette (Suthard) Downare, please visit our floral store.