Diffley Michael W. Diffley, b. 2/29/36, d. 7/19/04, of complications following a cardiac arrest on 7/5. Born in Bemidji, MN, the third of seven children of Henry (Jack) and Marian Diffley, Mike grew up on the family farm, attended eight grades of one-room school, graduated from Bemidji High School and the U. of MN where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. After graduate school in computer science, he worked for Control Data Corp. and the U. of MN Dept. of Lab Medicine. In 1975 he became a partner in the fledgling Corporate Travel Services, eventually becoming sole owner. He sold the company in 1998, but continued as director of computer operations until his sudden death. Mike loved his life: his large family and all their activities and get-togethers, his work, travel, the Vikings (and Packers!), Twins, Gopher sports, golf, and especially tennis. He enjoyed parties, singing, dancing (a polka specialist) card games...belonged to both poker and bridge clubs. Pre-deceased by parents, mother-in-law, Ruth Stevens, brother-in-law, Daral Olson; sister- in-law, Carol Boyer. He is survived by grieved by Judy, wife of 45 years; children, Patrick (Karen), Thomas (Elvira), Anne, Kathleen Dawson (Matthew), Victoria Nhan, James Nhan (Penny), Quang Ngugen (Julie), Nam Nguyen (Van), Vin Nguyen; father-in-law, Ralph Stevens; nine grandchildren; sisters, Ila Olson, Nina Anderson (Lawrence), Patricia Kluzak (Duane); brothers, Henry (Beth), Larry (Mimi), Terry (Jean); sisters-in-law, Jane and Nancy Stevens; 26 nephews & nieces; 25 great nephews & nieces. Memorial service Sat., July 24, at 2 PM with visitation one hour prior, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 46th & Colfax Ave. S., Mpls. Memorials suggested to Susan G. Komen Foundation, Lupus Foundation, St. Luke's Church, or donor's choice. Cremation Society of MN 612-825-2435
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
