August 22, 1937 – July 29, 2026
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Diane Hunker, CSJ, who died on July 29, 2026, in St. Paul. She was 89 years old.
Sister (M. Julie) Diane was born on August 22, 1937, to Julia McDonald and James Edward Hunker in Superior, Wisconsin. She entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Superior on September 8, 1952, and professed final vows May 1, 1960. When the Superior congregation closed in 1986, Sister Diane transferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province.
Sister Diane received a license in practical nursing from the Vocational School of Superior, and a bachelor’s degree in theology from the College of St. Catherine (now St. Catherine University). She also earned a clinical pastoral education certificate from St. Mary Medical Center as well as two certificates in spiritual direction.
Sister Diane taught in several elementary schools in Wisconsin, including St. Bridget in River Falls and St. John in Glenwood City. She ministered as an LPN at St. Mary and Holy Family Hospital in New Richmond and St. Patrick and St. Francis Nursing Home in Superior. She worked as an assistant vocation director and admissions counselor at Crosier Seminary in Onamia, Minnesota. After coming to St. Paul, she worked in sister care and also served as a chaplain and pastoral associate at St. Mary’s Hospital and Benedictine Health Center in Duluth, Minnesota; St. Mary’s Care Center in Madison, Wisconsin; and Holy Spirit Parish in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
A funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1880 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105. Mass will be livestreamed here.
Memorials in her honor preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province Retirement Fund.