Diane Marie Bunnell

Diane Bunnell, 66, of Oskaloosa passed away Saturday, September 21, 2019, at the Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. Diane Marie Bunnell, daughter of Merlyn Joseph and Gladys “Gladie” Elizabeth (Berg) O’Tool, was born January 7, 1953, in Centerville, Iowa. She grew up in Jolley, Iowa, a small town in Calhoun County and attended grade school there. She was a 1971 graduate of Rockwell City High School. While in high school, she met the love-of-her-life, Vernon Bunnell, while he was working for Dickinson Company installing road signs throughout Iowa. They married June 5, 1971, and the couple made their home in Oskaloosa. Diane started working at Pella Corp. on the line in the casement division in July of that year. She remained with the company until 1985, when she had to retire due a brain tumor diagnosis. She overcame the brain tumor and went onto develop many interests that working full-time had not allowed. She enjoyed baking, growing flowers, and loved watching Christmas movies. The family enjoyed many yearly vacations and Little House on the Prairie destinations were a favorite attraction. Diane enjoyed her home; she delighted in hosting home interior decorating parties. She also loved gathering friends and family to play games, especially Phase 10, Four Corners, and Sorry; assembling jigsaw puzzles was also a favorite pastime. Her dog Muffy was her constant companion and brought her much joy through the years. Diane was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and volunteered in the kitchen for funeral luncheons. Her family includes husband, Vern; her children: Amy Walker of Oskaloosa and Scot Bunnell of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren: Jaxson Walker and Scarlett and Sacha Bunnell; a brother, Scott O’Tool of Rockwell City; and a sister, Michelle “Sharonina” Bomba of Middleburg, Florida. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Bruce O’Tool. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 25, 2019, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. John Spiegel officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery. Visitation will begin after noon on Tuesday at Langkamp Funeral Chapel. A Christian Vigil Service will be held at 5 p.m. followed by a visitation with the family until 7 p.m. Memorials can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church for the Shut-in Visitation Ministry.

Diane Marie Bunnell

January 7, 1953 - September 21, 2019