William A. Diehl, 92, Haller St. died Saturday December 12, 2009 at his home.
He was born June 15, 1917 in Defiance, the son of Albert and Emma (Schmaltz) Diehl. He graduated from Defiance High School, attended Defiance College, Purdue University and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1938. William was also a graduate of the Siebel Institute Brewery School. He was a World War II veteran as a captain in the Army Air Corp serving in China and India-Burma.
On June 11, 1949 he married Helen R. Herr who passed away in 2007. He served as President of Defiance Milk Products/Diehl Inc. for 40 years and was involved with the Diehl family business for 75 years.
He was a supporter of many local and international humanitarian causes and organizations including the Albert Schweitzer Foundation, Yokefellow House, YMCA, Defiance County Literacy Council, Market Basket Nutritional Program. He was awarded the Defiance Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award in 1992. He was a trustee of Defiance College and received the Pilgrim Medal Award in 1979 and Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 1995.
William (Bill) was a member of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church.
Also preceding him in death were both parents and brothers, James and John.
A sister, Mary Eifrig, Oak Park, Ill. survives.
Surviving are sons: Peter (Penny), Thomas (Linda), David (Sandra), all of Defiance. Daughters surviving are Sarah (Chris) Tardio, Cincinatti, Mary (Dave) Deucher, Wakeman, and Christine (Dave) Nadler.
Grandchildren include: Aric (Michele) Diehl, John W. Diehl, Jennifer (Nathan) Guilford, Paul (Kate) Diehl, Anne (Dan) McQuown, Emily Tardio, Sarah (Brian) Porter, Leah Diehl, Suzanne Deucher, Nicole Tardio, Peter Deucher, William Tardio, Adam Tardio, Elisabeth Nadler, Steven Nadler, and Grace Nadler. Also, surviving are four great-grandchildren; Augustine and Emma Diehl, Ethan Guilford, and Helen McQuown.
Services will be Monday, December 21, 2009 at 11:00am at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, with Rev. Brian T. Stark officiating. Visitation is two hours prior to the service and one hour following at the church. Interment at Riverside will be private at a later date.
Preferred memorials are to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 301 Carter Rd. Defiance, Ohio
Online condolences may be left at www.snyderfuneralhome.net
Facts
Born: June 15, 1917Death: December 12, 2009
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