Donald Darrel Diehl

Oshkosh – Donald “Don” D. Diehl, age 92, went home to his heavenly father on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at Bella Vista in Oshkosh surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 5, 1929 in Oshkosh, and raised by his adoptive parents, George and Geraldine (Helbach) Diehl. Don was enlisted and active in the US Air Force from 1948-1952. His military service took him to many destinations including Guam, Japan, Washington DC, and Florida. Don was united in marriage, after meeting the love of his life Arlene Hartman, “the girl next door” on August 12, 1950. He worked for the city of Oshkosh on the street department, Oshkosh Truck, and owned a Texaco gas station with his brother Bud, in DePere.

Don was known for his quick wit and telling jokes up until the very end. Don enjoyed traveling to many destinations including Colorado and Hawaii of which he took up residence. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed many activities including hunting, fishing, camping, boating, waterskiing, scuba diving, target shooting, and all time favorite, playing his accordion. He enjoyed playing “You Are My Sunshine” to his children. Don was a very positive man whose favorite advice to all was “Keep on Smiling”.

Don is lovingly survived by his wife of 71 years, Arlene Diehl; children; Kathy (Steve) Miller, Shiela Koehn, and Dan Diehl; grandchildren; Kalie (Puck) Skifstad, Heather (Andy) Garrett, Heidi Tlatelpa, Justin (Kristen) Cox, Derek Diehl, Kayla (Mike) Rost, Stephanie (Kenny) McGuire, Jamie (Troy) Weir, Kelly (Brett) Tovar, Mike (Alexis) Miller; and 14 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laurie McEssey; parents, George, and Geraldine Diehl; brother, Dean “Bud” Diehl; and two sisters: Betty Wickstrom, and June Matchull.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 8, 2021, at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home, 100 Lake Pointe Dr, Oshkosh with Rev. Karen Jewell officiating and full military honors following the service. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery.

A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Bella Vista, St. Croix Hospice, Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home, and Pastor Karen Jewell for their loving care and support.