Doyle Diederich

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Doyle Francis Diederich, 81, Wamego, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 10, 2019 while surrounded by his family at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, KS.  He was the eldest son of Francis and Florence (Crimmins) Diederich.  He was born on September 18, 1937, at their family home near Seldon, KS.  They later moved to Manhattan, KS where he graduated from Luckey High School in 1955.

Doyle was united in marriage to the love of his life, Genevieve (Genny) Umschied on June 6, 1959 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Flush, KS.  During their first years together, Doyle served in the Army Reserves (1956-1963). They enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage with two children, Becky Heinrichs (Jeff) of New Port Richey, FL and Tim (Lisa) of Wamego, KS.  Doyle enjoyed being a grandfather to April Diederich, Casey Woltje (Eric), Korhy Flanary (Megan), Kahm Flanary (Honesty), and Aaron and Emmah Heinrichs, as well as to his six great-grandchildren, Adler and Brooks Woltje, Oliver and Nancy Flanary, and Walker and Evelyn Flanary.

Doyle is also survived by a sister, Norma Lewis, and two brothers Doug Diederich and Dwight Diederich (Patty). He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marilyn Meinhardt, infant sister Agnes Marie, and brother Dallas Diederich (Lorraine).

Doyle worked for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Topeka, KS for 25 years in quality control and was a member of the Local #307 United Steelworkers Union.  He also spent many of his years driving a truck and farming near Flush, KS.  His adventurous spirit led him to earn his pilot’s license after which he purchased an airplane and flew it for several years. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and shooting sporting clays with his son and grandsons. He and Genny enjoyed hosting annual summer trips to Holiday Island, Arkansas where they made family memories that their children and grandchildren will forever cherish.  He was an avid reader and was also well known for his skilled vegetable gardening.  He found joy in teaching his grandchildren how to plant successful gardens.

Doyle was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and had a devout faith that brought strength and comfort to his family during his recent illness.

Doyle will lie in-state Monday, January 14, 2019 at Stewart Funeral Home beginning at 2:00 PM followed by recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM.  The family will greet friends and loved ones from 7:30-8:30 PM.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego, KS on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at 10:30 AM followed by interment at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Flush, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Good Shepherd Hospice House, Manhattan, KS and left in care of Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, PO Box 48, 66547.