Marlene Rose Cournoyer, 87, was born December 13, 1938, to Harold and Hazel (Flood) Cournoyer. She was one of twelve children. Marlene married Phillip “Sonny” Drapeau and together they welcomed six children: Faye, Kevin, Mike, Laura, Karen, and Denise. On October 10, 1975, she married Marvin Dietrich and they welcomed their daughter, Julie.

Marlene spent nearly four decades living in Washington state before returning to South Dakota, the place she had always considered home. She enjoyed traveling, fishing, cooking, spending time at the river, reconnecting with her Marty classmates, and above all, being surrounded by family. She will be remembered for her resourcefulness, generosity, sense of humor, ability to make the best of any situation, and her talent for making homemade wine.

Marlene was preceded in death by her husbands, Phillip “Sonny” Drapeau and Marvin Dietrich; and her daughters: Faye and Denise.

She passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026 at the Wagner Community Memorial Hospital, at the age of 87, leaving behind a large family, including many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as friends who will carry her memory with them.

Funeral services were Friday, September 4 at the YST South Gym in Wagner. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements.