Ronald Dean DIECKMAN

DIECKMAN, Ronald Dean, Ron was born in Giltner, Nebraska on June 1, 1937 and died suddenly on December 9, 2014 at his home in Tucson. He was the son of Glenn Gerald Dieckman and Edith Ella Crawford Dieckman. His early years were spent in a variety of states from Massachusetts to Minnesota due to his father's job. Following World War II, the family returned to Nebraska where Ron attended public schools in Aurora. He was involved in virtually every activity available to a young boy in a small town from Boy Scouts to music lessons to sports. At Aurora High School he lettered in football, basketball, and track. He also sang in several school choirs, played in the marching band, and somehow always had time for a job. He graduated with the class of 1955 having formed friendships lasting to the present day. In February 1956 he enlisted in the US Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. He served as a radio operator on aircraft where Morse Code was in use. Despite the frigid weather at his duty station, his military service was a highlight of his life, and a source of pride through the years. He worked for Martin Marietta Co. as an electronics technician for a few years prior to joining IBM Corporation in Boulder, Colorado in 1965. His 28 year IBM career took the Dieckman family from Boulder to San Jose, CA, to Tucson. Along the way Ron enjoyed bowling, archery, golf and spectator sports, especially cheering on the Denver Broncos and U of A Wildcats. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 43 years, Marjorie Thompson Dieckman and their children, Cynthia (Charles) Drechsler, Christopher (Jennifer) Baye, Cheralyn (Mike Schwarz), Erin Richason, Coleen (David) Krogen and Patrick (Esther) Fletcher, Ron's pride and love of his children and grandchildren was unbounded. He was "Grampa" to Dylan, Michelle, Taylor, Lily, Cooper, Devin, Alexis, Christopher, A.J., Alyssa and Julianna. His brother, Gerald Dieckman of Bella Vista, AR, and sisters, Merces Schmidt and Diana Aldredge of Florida also survive along with a large extended family. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 20, 2014 at MARANA MORTUARY, 12146 Barnett Rd., Marana. The family suggests donations to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Reachout Women's Center or a favorite charity.