Diane Marschke

Diane B. Marschke (nee Diane Rose Bowman, formerly Diane Cisler)

Born on March 7, 1935 in Fort Madison, Iowa to parents Laverne and Robert Bowman. Diane lived in the Quad Cities until marrying Ed Cisler in 1964 and moving to Lockport. Together, she and Ed successfully owned and operated several locations of the popular restaurant, Maryland Fried Chicken. She and her daughter, Stephanie, also owned Simply Delicious Catering in the 90’s. After retiring from the restaurant business, her intellect, expertise, and quick wit helped her gain employment at Harrah’s Casino as a craps dealer. In the late 90’s, she found great joy and happiness in her marriage to Rudolph Marschke. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and shared compassion and love for all animals.

Diane had many talents and interests: horseback riding, skiing, golf, bowling, gardening, bird watching, crossword puzzles, book club, knitting, and opera. She was an accomplished pianist who offered piano lessons and accompaniment to band students heading to state competitions. She was an avid reader, sometimes finishing two novels a day. On any given Saturday, you could walk into her home and hear the New York Philharmonic Opera on the radio, the Cubs game on the TV, and Diane-simultaneously completing the New York Times crossword puzzle and a jigsaw puzzle on the table. She also enjoyed sitting in her sunroom and watching the birds in her garden and walking her dog on the I&M trails.

The oldest of five children, Diane was a “force to be reckoned with” and was lovingly called “The General” by her siblings. She was compelled to succeed at anything she put her mind to. She had strong opinions and was never one to hold back in expressing them. She was a fiercely independent and strong woman whose legacy will continue to be an inspiration to her family. Diane was truly one of a kind and will be missed.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents: Laverne and Robert Bowman; husband: Rudy Marschke; brother: Robert Bowman.

She is survived by her daughter: Stephanie Steinke (the late Robert); grandchildren: Matthew Steinke (Brie), Brett Steinke (Kristin), Maura Krakowski (Nick), and Mallory Betken (Colin); great-grandchildren: Henry and Lainey Krakowski, Lyla and Oliver Steinke, Finn and Charli Betken, and Cal Steinke. Diane is also survived by her siblings: Jay (Barb) Bowman, Linda Scholtz, and Michael Bowman (Jessie), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Per Diane’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive family and friends for a memorial visitation on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. until the start of the memorial service beginning at 12:30 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road in Joliet.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Diane’s name to an animal charity of your choice.