MATTOON - Kenneth Ray Diepholz Sr., 81, of Mattoon, IL, passed away peacefully in his home in the loving arms of his family on October 7, 2020 in Ft. Myers, FL.

Ken was born at home in Gays, IL to Arthur and Drucilla Diepholz (Kull) on November 4, 1938, as the story goes this was the same day a storm came through and blew down the family barn. He graduated from Mattoon High School in 1956 and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1960 from Eastern Illinois University. He married Julia Ann Wedderburn on June 29, 1958 in Mattoon Illinois at the Presbyterian Church, but only after Julia Ann proposed to him. He worked as a Dealer Representative for Marathon Oil Company from 1960 to 1964. After which he purchased Higgins Oil Company in Mattoon, Illinois in October of 1964, which he renamed as D-CO Oil. He owned and operated D-CO Oil for 30 plus years. During which time he acquired numerous laundry facilities in Mattoon, Charleston, and Arcola. Also during this period he acquired numerous Commercial and Residential Real Estate holdings in Mattoon. In 1986 he acquired Red Freeland Chevrolet in Charleston, Illinois, re-naming it Ken Diepholz Chevrolet. In the early 1990's he purchased Rutledge Oldsmobile Cadillac in Mattoon, Illinois, and merged it into his Chevrolet operation in Charleston.

In early 2000's he purchased Baldwin Buick Pontiac GMC in Charleston, and also merged it into his then Chevrolet Oldsmobile Cadillac operation in Charleston.

He was very active in the Mattoon community, which he loved. He served on the Mattoon School Board, Mattoon Golf and Country Club Board, Lakeland College Board of Trustees, Mattoon Federal Savings and Loan Board, First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust Board, First Mid-Illinois Bancshares Board, Mattoon Area Family YMCA Board, and an active member of Coles Together. He was also a major contributor the Eastern Illinois University where he graduated as well as played football.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Diepholz and Drucilla Diepholz (Kull), his brothers, Maurice "Maury" Diepholz, Harry "Bud" Diepholz, Wilbur Diepholz, Arthur "Junior" Diepholz, Delbert Diepholz, and Howard Diepholz, and his lone sister, Lawanda "Sis" Frakes.

Ken is survived by Julia Ann Diepholz (Wedderburn), his devoted wife of 62 years, his sons, Kenneth Ray Diepholz Jr., Ronald Roy Diepholz and wife Tami Diepholz (Hughes), Robert Dale Diepholz and wife Michelle Diepholz (Walters). He was blessed with seven wonderful Grandchildren: Jessica Ann "Jess" Diepholz, Alexandra Jo "Alex" Diepholz, Austin James "AJ" Diepholz, Cole Alexander Diepholz, Darian Roquel "DeDe" Diepholz, Kenneth "Davis" Diepholz, and Robert "Devon" Diepholz. Ken had several nieces and nephews he cherished but shared a special connection with Shelia Rosine (Frakes) daughter of Lawanda "Sis" Frakes.

Memorials may be given to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research @ michaeljfox.org, or an organization of your choice.

Ken's wishes were to forego formal funeral services. However the family will have a Celebration of Life Ceremony at a later date in Mattoon, IL.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Journal Gazette & Times-Courier on Oct. 10, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Diepholz

18 Entries

Fred blackburn

October 4, 2021

What are the truly good guys in the world and I´m sure everyone will miss him! Always had a smile and a hello for everybody.

Steve Kimery

November 4, 2020

Ann and family, I was acquainted with Kenny in elementary school when he was in Junior high. He was so popular and carried a hero status for me. He was loyal to Mattoon and contributed so much to the community. He was an honorable man and respected by all. He was a loving husband to Ann and their 3 sons. May you always cherish the many fond
Memories.
Steve Kimery

Scott Kohn

October 13, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss Ken will be dearly missed.

Jean Wheeler Zorn Thomson

October 13, 2020

So very sorry for your loss. Ken was a very special man. He was so kind to Tom and I when he was at Eastern. Tom worked for him while he was at EIU. Very special memories of him

Frances J. Brower

October 11, 2020

So very sorry for the loss of your beloved husband Ann and loss of a great father. Ken was always one of the nicest guys in our class and so many will really miss him. May our loving God richly bless each of you at this difficult time.

Bryan and Jill Boes

October 11, 2020

We are sending our love and prayers to all of you. He was a great man and his family is a testament to that.

Jeff Maninfior

October 10, 2020

Sorry for your loss. I always remember him as a humble friendly man. I always enjoyed talking to him when I'd see him at the ballpark.

Monte and Linda Nugent

October 10, 2020

Our hearts go out to Ann and all their family during this sad and difficult time. Ken was such a faithful and loving husband and was incredibly proud of his grown children and their families. Always community minded, this great man will be terribly missed by all who were fortunate to know him personally. Keeping all in our hearts and prayers.

Bill and Roberta Hollada

October 10, 2020

Our personal thoughts are with all Ken's family members. It was our pleasure to have known and done business with Kena very pleasant, kind, caring and helpful individual.
In other words, he was a class act!!

Tomi Phipps

October 10, 2020

To Ann and the Diepholz family. I am so sad to see that Ken has passed. He was such a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this sad and difficult time. My love to Ann. Rest peacefully, Ken.

Valerie Leonard

October 10, 2020

Dear Ann and family,
My heart is broken! After working part time for Ken for 34 years I think I am qualified to say what you all already know. Ken was the most descent, kind, hard working and humble man I have ever known and oh how he loved his family! I will be forever grateful to him for the difference he made in my life. I send my heartfelt condolences.

Bob and Vicky McCall

October 10, 2020

Ann, so sorry for your loss. Kenny was a gentleman and such a special person!

Rex A Carter

October 10, 2020

Ron sorry to hear about your father! He was an amazing person

Tom Olmsted

October 10, 2020

Ken was a great guy. Bought a piece of land from him back in 2000. He grew up next door to my wife's home place north of Gays. Both of us had a connection to the Diepholz family. God bless .

Holly Burgess Pickowitz

October 10, 2020

Ann and family, I'm so sorry to hear about Ken. Thinking of you and praying for your family.

Fred blackburn

October 10, 2020

One of the nicest men I ever knew. Was my landlord for several years. Always had a smile and hello for everyone, everyday.I know he will be greatly missed. RIP Ken.

Rick Shields

October 10, 2020

I am very sorry to hear of Kens passing. To Kens family and friends prayers to you and your family.

Pat Holycross

October 10, 2020

To Ken's family and friends, I want to express my prayers and sympathy in your loss.

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