Diane M. Hunt

Diane M. Hunt, age 67, of Laguna Niguel, CA. Heaven gained the most loving, kind, beautiful, intelligent, and gifted angel on November 14, 2025. As we mourn Diane’s passing, we celebrate her life as a woman of Christian faith, whose strength and character reflected grace and compassion. Diane’s unwavering devotion was seen in the way she cared for her family, cherished her friends, and offered kindness, dignity, and respect to everyone she met. Diane bravely faced bulbar onset ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), the most severe form of ALS, with the same courage and grace that defined her life.

Diane was an extraordinary person with an enthusiasm for life. She was born on May 17, 1958, in Faribault, MN, to Gordon and Eileen (Sammon) Hunt, Diane graduated from Faribault Senior High School in 1976. She went on to earn her B.S. from St. Catherine University and her M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. She was an excellent student and throughout her career, she continued her dedication to excellence in bringing positive changes in healthcare.

Blessed with unrivaled expertise in marketing and branding, a patient-first mindset, and an unmatched work ethic, Diane built an extraordinary career in healthcare and life sciences. Her work at several leading organizations promoted and advanced life-changing patient solutions worldwide. Among her many standout achievements were collaborating with Dr. John Schwartz on the pioneering maze procedure to cure atrial fibrillation (AFib), saving countless lives; leading the global launch of Vscan™, the world’s first handheld ultrasound machine, revolutionizing diagnostic care; driving the commercialization of dialysis therapies, giving hope and saving lives of patients with kidney failure; and partnering with healthcare scientists at Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) to develop and manufacture drugs that cure diseases, impacting millions.

It is an uncanny twist of fate that Diane would succumb to ALS—a disease with no treatment or cure—after dedicating her life to advancing healthcare solutions for others.

Diane’s career took her across the United States and around the world, where she built friendships across continents. She was known as an inclusive and inspirational leader with a winning spirit. Diane led with authenticity and empathy, drawing others in with her unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond her professional achievements, she was a source of encouragement, growth, and healing for many, generously sharing her wisdom and supporting others through both triumphs and challenges.

Diane left a lasting impression as a deeply caring, inspiring, and truly impactful soul. She touched countless lives with her kindness, drive, and compassion. Her journey is a testament to the power of community roots, relentless dedication, and a passion for making a difference. Her legacy and spirit continue to live on — both in Faribault and around the globe. She will be deeply missed by family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her siblings, Julie Duxbury of Stillwater, MN and Mark Hunt of Blaine, MN; her nieces and nephews, Ryan Duxbury, Andrew (Karli) Duxbury, Abby Hunt, T.J. Hunt, and Ellie Hunt; and other relatives and friends.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Eileen Hunt; her brother, David Hunt; and her brother-in-law, Mark Duxbury.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Diane Hunt Legacy Fund through the Faribault Foundation. The fund supports individuals affected by neuromuscular disease and women experiencing hardship or working to advance economically.