John Charles Diehl was born June 9, 1923 in Denver, Colorado to Norval and Florence (Hertz) Diehl. He went to his Heavenly Father on Friday, June 24, 2011 surrounded by his loving wife and family at his home in Stratton, Nebraska at the age of 88.
John moved with his parents to Stratton in 1924 where he graduated from high school in 1941. As a schoolboy, young Johnny always looked forward to the handful of sugar cookies Grandma Fannie Diehl had ready for Johnny to enjoy for his after-school livestock chores. Right out of high school young Johnny joined the army in 1942 during World War ll. After a lengthy crossing by ship, John was stationed in England. He faithfully served in the 3113th Signal Service Batallion and was honorably discharged as a Private First Class in February, 1946. Very patriotic John loved his country. He received the Veterans of Foreign Wars U.S. Gold Circle Member Certificate of Appreciation for 50 years of service.
Home from the service, John met the true love of his life, Julia Vachuta at the Farmers Red and White Grocery Store. They were united in marriage on November 18, 1946 and blessed with 5 daughters and 65 wonderful years together.
John started farming on the C.B. Diehl homestead. John and Julia took great pride in improving the land by clearing trees, leveling and adding irrigation for the corn, wheat, and alfalfa. John followed the footsteps of his grandfather C.B. Diehl and began feeding and shipping cattle from his feedlot. He was very well known and respected in the livestock and farming community as being honest and hardworking. John and Julia received the Nebraska Pioneer Family Award in 2011 for 100 years on the Diehl/Vachuta family farm.
John was very active in the Stratton community and received the Silver Star Builder Award from the Stratton Community Foundation in 2011. He served on the Stratton School Board, was a Director at Stratton Commercial Bank Board for 17 years, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks. John and Julia were the Grand Marshals of Stratton Days parade in 2009. John was a faithful member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Some of John’s favorite activities were driving the country roads with Julia checking the crops and livestock, and watching nature. He loved all of God’s creation. Music and dancing were always a part of his life. He enjoyed travel with Julia and made frequent trips to the mountains of Colorado. No one was a stranger to John and his inquisitive nature made him known to many. He continued to have a great appreciation for a good sugar cookie and conversation.
Preceding John in death were his parents, Norval and Florence Diehl, sisters Nancy Gummere and Ann Fryar, and grandson Scott Schram.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Julia and five girls: Michele Schram and husband Dan of Westminster, Colorado; Debra Glasco and husband John of Stratton; Connie Henry and husband Tom of Kingman, Arizona; Becky Smith and husband Cloid of Eustis, Nebraska; and Julie Keller and husband Bill of Eustis. Also, 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren will miss this remarkable man.
Rosary will be Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 7:00 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Mass will be Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 10:30, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratton, officiated by John’s nephew Monsignor Thomas Fryar of Denver and Father Thomas Wiedel. Christian burial at Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton will follow immediately.
Memorial may be given in his name. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook, Nebraska will be in charge of arrangements.
Memorial website: www.forevermissed.com/John-Diehl