Obituary: Donald J. Diederich - Class of 1943

MADISON - Donald J. Diederich, age 82 died on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on July 16, 1925 in Madison, the son of Isadore and Gertrude (Bischel) Diederich. Don graduated from Madison Central High School in 1943. He enlisted in the Navy and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander and served in Japan. After World War II, Don was discharged and joined the reserves. He continued to be with the Naval Reserves, amounting to 31 years of service. At the same time he graduated from the University of Notre Dame and then from the University of Michigan with an M.B.A. He began work in Milwaukee with Wisconsin Bell Telephone, and there he met his future wife. They were married on Oct. 28, 1950 in Milwaukee. He also worked for Continental Can Co. and then later for the Wehr Steel Company. Don had always wanted to return to Madison, so they moved back in 1963 where he continued his career at Graber, USAFI and the VA Hospital. Don enjoyed golfing, fishing and traveling with the whole family. Holidays with family and friends were cherished by Don and he always remained in touch with his Navy roots. He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church since 1988, life member of the Reserve Officers Association, M.O.A. and Madison Elks Club. He was a lifelong blood donor with the Red Cross. Survivors include, his wife, the former, Jeanette Ruehle of Madison; one daughter, Linda (Jim) Sebree of Cross Plains; one son, William Diederich of Madison; two granddaughters, Erica (special friend, Tony Megna) of Ft. Wayne Ind. and Lisa (special friend, Nick Williams) of Milwaukee; a sister, Mary Suchomel of Burlington; one brother, William (Gloria) Diederich of Santa Ana, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Donna Diederich of Utah; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles; and a brother-in-law, Al Suchomel. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 405 S. Owen Drive, Madison, on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007, at 12:30 p.m. Msgr. Ken Fiedler will officiate. Friends and relatives may call after 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Foundation or the American Heart Association. A special thank you to the Madison Fire and Police Departments for their assistance.
Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 9, 2007