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Gretchen Diehl Obituary

Diehl, Gretchen Age 68, a resident of Three Lakes, WI, since 2003 and a former resident of New Berlin, WI, died on Wednesday, October 6, 2011, at her home. Gretchen was born on October 24, 1942 in Little Chute, WI, to Peter and Dorothy Drall. She was a loving and caring person. She loved music and dancing. She also enjoyed fishing, golf, trips to the casino and flower gardening. Gretchen had a good sense of humor and loved to laugh. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. She was a member of the St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Three Lakes, WI. Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of over 50 years: Jerry Diehl of Three Lakes, WI; daughters Cindy Shakula of Milwaukee, WI and Chris Hinners of Waukesha, WI; brothers: Peter "Babe" Drall of Library, PA, Claire "Peanie" Drall of Markesan, WI; Jerry (Pat) Drall of Shaftsford, MI and Robert "Porky" Drall of Oconomowoc, WI; sister Joy Dziubek of Oak Creek, WI; and grandchildren Jeremy Shakula, Zach Hinners, and Taryn Hinners. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday October 12, 2011, at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Three Lakes, WI. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River, WI.

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

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Oct. 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Susan (Staab) Firlinger

October 20, 2011

Gretty was my cousin. Her sisters and brothers and mine all lived in a little house on 55th St. 13 kids and 4 adults. But such fun and wonderful memories of us all. Gretty was such a fun cousin. We always got along so great. And, yes, so many laughs we had too. She was a beautiful woman and wonderful person. I have her in my prayers and will always.

Kathy Rossebo/Schmidt

October 19, 2011

We were shocked to hear of Gretchen's passing. We (the Custer reunion group)
just had a get-together with the committee, we were all surprised. We remember Gretchen as a fun loving gal, adn always laughing. She was a lovely person both inside and out. Jerry, we wish you all our sympathy and love as you go through this time of grief. May God's love shine upon you and your family

October 12, 2011

I have many good memories of Gretchen both in New Berlin and in Three lakes . I am sorry to hear of her passing. Dave Hinners

October 11, 2011

We have many good memories of the times we spent with you and Gretchen - especially golf in Arizona in February. Gretchen was fun and a gracious hostess. Our condolences to you and the family. Sincerely,

Duane and Linda Hinners

October 10, 2011

My cousin Gretchen was like another sister to me, we were known back in the day as the two dizzy blondes. We did the dancing to our favorite tunes, had a lot of laughs and good times together. I will miss her laughter, and smile, and the talks we had. She is forever in my heart.
Patsy (Staab) Stoltz

Sue Galonski

October 10, 2011

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Brenda Drall

October 9, 2011

Sorry for your loss. I wish I could have known her better. Its been a long time since I've seen her. I know she will be missed. God Bless.

October 9, 2011

Cindy,
May God bless you and your family. I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom.
Dianne (MilwCo)

Rachel Anderson

October 9, 2011

Jerry, we are so sorry for your loss. We have fond memories of visits with you and Gretchen at Kelk's at Lake Tomahawk.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Richard and Rachel Anderson

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