August 22, 1937 – July 29, 2026
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Diane Hunker, CSJ, who died peacefully on July 29, 2026, at Carondelet Village in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was 89 years old.
Diane was born in Superior, Wisconsin on August 22, 1937, the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, a fitting beginning for her lifelong devotion to Mary. A deep admiration for her first-grade teacher sparked in her a sense of her own calling, and in 1952, at the young age of 15, Diane entered the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph, in Superior, Wisconsin.
Her educational path was extensive and included an LPN Associate Degree from Superior Vocational School (1970), a certification diploma in spiritual direction from St. Louis University (1980), a bachelor of arts in theology from the College of St. Catherine (1991), certification in Clinical Pastoral Education from St. Mary Medical Center, Duluth, Minnesota (1993), and certification in Spiritual Direction from the Center of Spiritual Guidance, St. Paul (1998).
Diane’s vocational journey spanned a wide range of ministries and communities. She was first missioned to teach at several Sisters of St. Joseph-sponsored schools in the Superior, Wisconsin Diocese (1956-70). After nursing school, she served at Holy Family Hospital in Richmond, Wisconsin, and St Francis Nursing Home in Superior, Wisconsin (1977-83). She was then appointed to Crosier Seminary in Onamia, Minnesota as the assistant vocations director and admissions counselor (1984-89). It was during this time that members of Diane’s beloved community in Superior joined with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, in St. Paul (1986). While there was deep sadness and loss, Diane also felt hope and a deep sense of security for the future.
In 1991, Diane transitioned into pastoral care and chaplaincy work at St. Mary’s Care Center in Madison, Wisconsin; Marian Center in St. Paul, Minnesota; and Benedictine Health Center in Duluth, Minnesota (1991-1999). Her last formal ministry was at Holy Spirit Parish in St. Cloud, Minnesota (2001), where she was beloved and happily served for 15 years as a pastoral associate.
At the close of her life, a dear friend reflected, “Diane was a unique reflection of God’s Love through her compassionate presence, prayerful encouragement and listening heart.”
Diane is preceded in death by her parents James and Julia (McDonald) Hunker. She is survived by her dear friends and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, with burial following at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. Mass will be livestreamed here.
Memorials in her honor preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province Retirement Fund.
Dear Diane, rest in love and peace.