Obituary for Diane J. Dunlap

She was born April 2, 1948, to Jean (Halverson) Crawford. Diane was raised in West Salem by her mother, Jean, and the only father she ever knew, Jim Hardie. She attended West Salem Schools and was part of the 1966 graduating class.

Diane met Richard “Dick” Dunlap at Curve Inn Lanes in West Salem and they were married in February of 1966. Together they had two beloved children, Paul and Dawn. Her working career included positions at Linda's Bakery, the bakery department at Hansen’s IGA, Union State Bank, before retiring from River Bank.

Diane spent many happy hours engaging in arts and crafts; most specifically, painting, baking, making lefse and Krub, and she crocheted many many blankets for the NICU babies at the hospitals in the area. She loved fishing, deer hunting, the Milwaukee Brewers, Jeff Gordon #24, and NASCAR.

In her earlier years, Diane often commented, “Ya know, I’m too young to be a grandma.” with a pointed finger at her kids; but from the moment she became one, she LOVED it. She was not only grandma to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but she was the “cool” grandma to all of their friends too. She welcomed them all with open arms and they were always eager to spend time with her.

Diane loved her family deeply. She lived for them and they will miss her dearly in her death.

Survivors include her son, Paul Dunlap (Heidi Giese); grandchildren, Bobbi Swenson, Ryan Dunlap, Tayler Swenson, Erin Dunlap (Jayme) Hammond, and Sean Dunlap; great grandchildren, Brantley, Hallie, Clayton, Kaylee, Richard, Rhys, and Maxine; two sisters, Cindy Ashland and Jamie Hardie; one brother, Don (Mary) Hardie; Paul’s former wife, Angela Bremness; in-laws; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Jean and Jim Hardie; her daughter, Dawn; great-granddaughter, Felicity Jean; and two brothers, Robert Crawford and David Crawford.

In accordance with her wishes, Diane’s body will be cremated and a celebration of life will be held for family and close friends on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Hunter’s Bar and Grill in West Salem.

Online condolences may be offered at this website.