Dale Diekman

Dale William Diekman was born March 6, 1931, the first child of William and Lena (Doering) Diekman. He grew up on the family farm in Hudson Township during the depression. Hard work and "making do" with what you had was part of daily living. He often reminisced about how thrilled the family was when electricity came to the farm.

In 1953, Dale entered the United States Army. He was a member of the 5th Calvary and served until 1955. Part of this time was spent in Sendai, Japan. After his military service he returned to the farm.

Dale and Shirley Steinbring were married on July 5, 1959. They were blessed with four children Paul, Rachel, Brian, and Thomas.

Dale had many interests other than farming. He held a real estate license for many years, utilizing his license doing home inspections. Dale was an avid reader and enjoyed taking classes in Minnesota and Arizona.

Since 1997, Dale and Shirley have spent winters in Green Valley, AZ. Dale visited the library daily and attended lectures and art classes. He also volunteered at Lutheran Church of the Risen Savior and the White Elephant Thrift Store.

On Thursday, January 26, 2017 Dale died at the age of 85 years old. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Gordon and sister-in-law Marge. Dale is survived by his wife of 57 years Shirley, children: Paul Diekman, Rachel (Phil) Reim, Brian (Michelle) Diekman, and Thomas Diekman, grandsons: C.J. Reim, Victor Reim, and William Reim, and his brother William (Bud) Diekman.

A funeral service was held on Friday, February 3, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN, with the Reverends David Hinz and Geoff Gronewold officiating. Mertice Brueske and Dan Olson provided the music. Interment was in Kinkead Cemetery. Casket Bearers were C.J. Reim, William Rein, Karl Diekman, Arlan Anderson, Sheldon Anderson, and Arlan Kakac.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.

www.andersonfuneral.net