Diann Kaye Halvorson

Diann K. (Thares) Halvorson of Great Falls, MT passed away peacefully in her husband’s arms on November 18, 2022, at the age of 70. Diann was born at the Columbus Hospital in Great Falls on August 4, 1952, to Thelma and Mathias Thares and was raised with her brother, Daniel and sister, Linda, south of the city near the Ayrshire Dairy. Diann loved it there as she had many friends and family to play with and explore the open country along the Missouri River at the time. She attended local schools and graduated from CMR High School in 1970. She had many work experiences along the way. She was a homemaker, secretary, and bookkeeper.

She met the love of her life in 1988, and married her husband, Duane in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They shared all of life’s experiences together raising their three children, Lori, Matt, and Bonni. Diann loved the outdoors hunting birds and big game, fishing the lakes, rivers, and streams year round, sight seeing trips, and most of all, spending time with family and friends. She was a wonder wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and partner in all things to us. We shall always miss her wonderful smile and presence no matter where we are.

During Diann’s life, she was employed at Source Electronics and Public Drug where she enjoyed detailed bookkeeping, sharing time with co-workers and many members of the public. It was not easy getting her to retire, but she finally did after 27 years in the work force. Diann always treasured her time and Public Drug and she could routinely be found there doing business during her retirement years. Upon retiring, there was more time spent outdoors to include, traveling in their motor home to Alaska and other parts of the country on a moment’s notice.

In November of 2021, Diann was diagnosed with cancer with numerous treatments taking place, all of which were ineffective. Nonetheless, Diann made the decision to make the most of her life that remained. Always in good spirits and with a smile on her face in the worst of times. She chose to remain at home in her husband’s care until her passing. We shall always be grateful for the doctors and staff at Benefis Hospital, Sletten Cancer Institute, and the home hospice program for all they have done to support her up to and including her passing.

Diann was a strong believer in the Lord, Jesus Christ, our Savior with daily prayer and past and present religious affiliation with Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Redeemer Lutheran Church, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. She loved our Lord.

Preceding her in death was her father, Mathias Thares; mother, Thelma Thares Tacke; and sister, Linda Thares. She is survived by her loving husband, Duane Halvorson; brother, Daniel (Nadine) Thares; daughters, Lori Anderson and Bonni (Bill) Holdorf; son, Matthew (Michelle); grandchildren, Jake and Joe Thunstrom, Sammy Lewis, Kopper Holdorf, Danica and Brady Lewis, Tremayne Hathaway, and Jaxon and Brayton Halvorson; and great-grandson, Henrik Duane Thunstrom, all of Great Falls. Diann and Duane always considered all of their relatives and dear friends as family whether near or far and all know who they are.

At her request, no services are planned with her ashes being spread at a later time in personal locations. May God bless and keep you our precious one.

We are most grateful for all that was done to help Diann through her difficult time. Our special thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and staff for their assistance in every way at all the locations previously mentioned. Donation are recommended to Sletten Cancer Institute and Peace Hospice centers at Diann’s and the family’s request.