August 29,2025

A hiker died earlier this week after tripping and falling on the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park.

Park officials say that 73-year-old Diane Bunker of Muscatine, Iowa, died on Wednesday as a result of the 450-foot fall that happened between Big Bend and Triple Arches.

Staff were told at approximately 11 a.m. that a woman — identified as Bunker — was hiking with a large group when she tripped and fell off the edge of the trail, out of sight from her hiking party.

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Diane Bunker Obituary

Diane Lynn Bunker, 73, of Muscatine, IA, died Aug. 27, 2025 from injuries sustained from a fall while hiking the Highline Trail with friends in Glacier National Park.

Born in Dover, NJ, she spent her childhood in Alexandria, IN and lived one year in Gimco City, (the smallest town in Indiana, population 12) before moving with her family to Muscatine, IA in 1966.

She attended Muscatine High School and graduated in 1969 as a Three Point Senior and was elected Representative Girl.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Iowa in 1973, Diane enjoyed a long career as a hygienist in the office of Robert Trevarthen, DDS in Muscatine. Following Dr. Trevarthen's retirement, she worked in retail sales in the shoe department at the local Younkers. Diane also worked for J&K Button Company, joining in Muscatine's long tradition of button making.

Diane was proud of her lawn and flower garden and was tireless in her efforts to create a haven for the hummingbirds and butterflies, where deer were tolerated, but chipmunks banished.

Diane loved the sea. She enjoyed sailing with her father on his boat, San Souci, along the east coast and in the Caribbean. She was an accomplished scuba diver, with numerous certifications.

Diane was very physically active and ran in and volunteered for the local Watermelon Stampede. She became a Jazzercise instructor and brought her boundless energy in support of the local Jazzercise community.

Diane was a world traveler. She had visited all 50 US states and had explored over 60 countries and territories. She was passionate about America's National Parks, which she frequented and supported generously.

Diane was a member of BPW and the Methodist Church. When young, she was a Girl Scout, but remained a lifelong fan of their cookies.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Davidson Bunker and Joan Magdalen Bunker (n�e Rossebo). She is survived by her brother, Dr. David Bunker and her four cousins Gerry, Stephen and John Bunker and Dayle Bunker Persons.

Interment will take place in Kearsarge Cemetery, North Conway, NH, next to her parents. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Muscatine Public Library.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Rendezvous in Muscatine on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Published by The Muscatine Journal on Oct. 9, 2025.