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BORN
1937
DIED
2017
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Wilford Diederich Obituary
1937 ~ 2017
Hardworking and generous to a fault, Wilford Karl Hans Diederich was taken suddenly in a car accident on Thursday, June 29, 2017 while on route to his second home at Bear Lake.
Wilf was born May 4, 1937 in Germany to Hugo Fritz and Anna Diederich, faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Raised in the calamity of WWII, he immigrated to Salt Lake City at the age of 13 where he attended the Bryan Ward, met his wife, and embraced the freedom and blessing of life in America. Wilf graduated from South High, attended Utah Tech, and pursued a long and successful career in HVAC. He was a past president of the Murray Rotary Club and business owner of Comfort Level, which he ran with his son Mark, who carries on his legacy. Throughout his career, his clients and lifelong friends were the same.
Never deterred by the rules, Wilford lived his life by the law of what seems right and good. His guiding light was the family. He married Claudia in the Salt Lake Temple, served as Elder's Quorum President, a High Priest, and with Claudia as temple ordinance workers and inner-city missionaries. Wilf showed his affection through friendly sarcasm and praised those who could dish it back to him. He was a friend and tireless provider to many in need, who rarely spoke of his own trials.
Wilford loved to travel with his family. He literally gave us the world and many cherished memories, often working while we played. For Wilf, the best day is one spent on his tractor, surveying his kingdom at Bear Lake with his family nearby. In the last few months of his life, as a tender mercy to his family, his heart softened and he frequently expressed his love and gratitude to God and to those around him. "It has been an amazing ride," he said. "I've been blessed!"
Wilford is survived by his wife Claudia; his children: Howard (Karalyn) Diederich, Ken (Becky) Diederich, Susan (Gary) Gygi, Mark (Kathleen) Diederich, and Brian (Jenny) Diederich, as well as 20 grandchildren and their families, including two great grandchildren. Wilford will also be missed by his siblings: Hugo Diederich, Margarete Diamond, Elfriede Friend, and Rudi Diederich and their families.
Services will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at noon at the Holladay South Stake Center located at 4917 South Viewmont Street in Holladay. The viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 5th from 6:30-8:30 PM and Thursday, July 6th from 10:00-11:30 AM preceding the services. Graveside services will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park following the funeral.
Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilford Diederich
Sponsored by Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.
July 21, 2017
Wilford was an amazing man, a privilege to know him. Sorry for your loss, my prayers go out to all of you.
July 6, 2017
I enjoyed my business relationship with Wilford over several years while at Hinckley Dodge. He loved to negotiate and never failed to share a smile and jab at the same time. We both loved our Bear Lake homes. He glowed when telling me about the account he left open at the KOA grocery so that the grandkids could always get their candy on grandma and granpa's account. God bless all of you in this very hard time. Brian Baker
Kay Wells
July 6, 2017
To The Family of Wilford:
I came to know Wilford through Craig Mecham. Wilford was the one who did the work on our heating & cooling.
He was fun to talk to and an honest man in his dealings.
I was shocked to hear of his death and my heart and prayers go out to his family at this time. I pray the Lord will comfort you all as you now go on without out this wonderful man.
Kay Wells
Carol Ernst Jorgensen
July 5, 2017
My heart goes out to all of the lovely Diederich family. I'm so glad that you have been such an important part of my life.
Bob and Kathy Fotheringham
July 4, 2017
Sue and Gary and Girls and Extended Family; We are in Jackson Hole and were shocked to read about Wilf's untimely passing. We are so sorry for all of you. He was a great man. And had a wonderful sense of humor. He has left a great legacy with his children and grands. Thankfully, you will see him again. We send our love along with these condolences.
July 3, 2017
Claudia. We are out of town but just learned of the passing of Wilfred. He is a wonderful man and we loved getting to know both of you in the Tempke and feel like we've known you forever. Please know of our love for you. We are so sorry for your loss. Gayle & Fred Wilko
Loreen Barney
July 3, 2017
Gary, Sue and family,
I am so heart-broken to hear of the passing of Sue's father. Your family is loved by so many, and I hope you can feel our prayers of comfort. May you feel our Heavenly Fathers love at this time in your lives. Please allow us to help in any way needed.
Much love,
July 2, 2017
Claudia and family, we were saddened to hear of Wilf's accident. Your family was so important in our lives and we treasure the influence. Our love and thoughts are with you. Harold and Marie Hymas
Denver Snuffer
July 2, 2017
My only contact with Wilford was from him taking care of my home's HVAC system. But my family and I held him in high regard. He cared. He impressed us with his honesty. That little contact was enough to make us mourn his tragic passing. It is a rare person who, with such little contact, can make such a lasting and positive impression.
July 2, 2017
Wilford was a good friend and fellow Rotarian for more than 30 years. Our love to Mark, Claudia and the rest of the family. May God's comfort be with you.
George and Marsha Redd
July 2, 2017
Dear Howard & Karalyn and Family,
All our love to you on this sad occasion. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marci & Jamie
Larry Taylor
July 2, 2017
I am so truly saddened at the loss of such a good and decent man! He was a dear friend and the best example of what a human being can be!
So sorry!
Brent and Sheila Chaston
July 2, 2017
Dear Claudia and Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. May all of you be comforted by and have the companionship of the Holy Ghost at this time.
Love,
Brent and Sheika Chaston (cousins)
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Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106
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