Diane Nickolene Barnidge

Diane Nickolene Barnidge

July 19, 1937 - August 22, 2022

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MADISON - Diane Nickolene (Staker) Barnidge, age 85, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her children: daughter, Angela (Nick) Bartley; daughter, Melani Barnidge; and son, Tracy (Vicki) Barnidge. She is further survived by her grandchildren, Cameren Swiggum, Lindsey Swiggum, Aidan Swiggum, Katharine Barnidge, Madaline Barnidge and Isabella Bartley; sister, Cindi (Tom) Dorsey; brothers, Dan (Lynne) Staker and Cal (Joan) Staker; stepchildren, Debbie, Jeff, and Cory; and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin Staker and Helga (Larsen) Staker; and stepson, Dean.


Diane was born in Reinbeck, Iowa, on July 19, 1937. The eldest of four children, she was raised as a farm girl and helped her parents by learning to drive a tractor at a young age. After graduating from Reinbeck High School in 1955, she worked for the railroad in California. She then took to the sky as a flight attendant with North Central Airlines and developed her love for travel. Always having an interest in the world of beauty, Diane became a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician, and was co-founder of William Jon Salons. She then opened her own salons, Diane Jon Salons and D.J.’s Next Generation, located in Madison.


During her many years as a salon owner, Diane served on the Wisconsin State Board of Cosmetology, Tempo, a women’s service organization, and was an enthusiastic supporter of UW-Madison women’s athletics.


As the years passed, her passions included spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, crocheting, gardening, and volunteering in the community and through her church.


Private family services will be held for Diane. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Diane’s name to Madison Children’s Museum or Olbrich Botanical Gardens.


The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the UW Hospital and Clinics for the compassionate care provided to Diane throughout the years. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761




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KS
kurt sailor
Other •
I’m very saddened to hear of the loss of Dianne, “Mrs. Barnidge”, and I wish all who experienced her will share their memories of how caring she was in our lives. To my friend T.J. and wife Vicky, I imagine her being such a wonderful grandmother to your children, and yet, despite her long life, loss can still be so difficult. I saw her as a very determined person, being a successful businesswoman in the 1980-90s, at a time when it was against the grain in the business world, yet she succeeded and prospered, being a very inspiring person and role model. Despite her career, she had the greatest dedication to T.J. and his sisters in their high school and college years, taking care of them while always showing her love for her family, and making sure they went on a successful path in life. I have the fondest memories of her and I extended my deepest condolences to her family, and my good friend T.J. She touched so many people, made their lives better and will always live in our memories. Goodbye Mrs. Barnidge, we will all will miss you. Sincerely, Kurt Sailor
JF
Jack W Fogt
Other •
On behalf of the Class of 1955 of the Reinbeck High School, Reinbeck, Iowa, we extend deepest sympathies to the families of Diane Staker Barnidge. May your memories of her help keep her close to you, always.

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