John F. Diehl, 68 years old and a resident of Suring, passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 1, 2021, with members of his family at his side. John Diehl was born on August 6, 1952, to Frederick and Emma (Postel) Diehl, who have now passed away. He attended Suring High School and received his diploma with the class of 1971. John started out his working life at French’s Great Lakes Trailer. After that, he went on to work at the Country Gardens canning facility and then at Marion Plywood.
After some time, he relocated back to Suring and established his own company, which is now known as Diehl Machine and Repair. John started a relationship with Joan Paholke, and the two of them eventually had a child together who they named Jamie Shepherd. John Zielinski and Christine Zielinski were married in 1982, and during their marriage they were blessed with two sons: Joshua and Justin. John and Joan tied the knot on December 28, 2005, following a rekindling of their previous relationship.
John now has two step-sons named Jason and Jessie as a result of his marriage to his wife’s sister. John delighted in activities such as hunting, fishing, driving about, playing cards, and spending time with his grandchildren. He also valued the company of his friends and family.
John is survived by his wife, Joan; 2 sons, Jamie (Ellie) Shepherd and Justin Diehl; 2 step-sons, Jason (Kristina) Shepherd and Jessie Shepherd; grandchildren, Lorelei “Fifi”, Johnathan “Man Man”, Bradly, Hope “Herman”, Eyanna, Connor, Keegan, and one on the way; 3 siblings, Becky (Howard) Pethke, David Diehl, and Donald Diehl; nephew, Chad (Lisa) Pethke; goddaughter and niece, Kari (Michael) Kristof and her children, Brett, Brady, and Emma. Additionally, he is survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and acquaintances.
His first wife, Christine Diehl, his son, Joshua Diehl, and his niece, Dawn Pethke, all passed away before he did.
On Thursday, August 5, 2021, visitation will begin at 3 pm and continue until the memorial ceremony begins at 6 pm at the Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring. Pastor Michael Paholke will preside over the event.