Rev. Robert John Diener

Diener, Rev. Robert John

Rev. Robert John Diener, 68, of Plymouth, WI, went to eternal rest with his heavenly Father on February 21, 2013. He passed away at St. Nicholas Hospital, Sheboygan, WI.

Bob was born on December 26, 1944 in Waukesha, WI, to parents Ernst and Margaret (Stegemeyer) Diener. He was the third oldest of six brothers. Bob was baptized into God's family on January 14, 1945, the birth date of his future wife. On March 22, 1959 he publicly confessed his faith at his confirmation. His special Bible verse was Romans 8:28, "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Bob graduated from Northwestern Preparatory School and Northwestern Lutheran College, both of Watertown, WI. On August 25, 1968, Bob was joined in marriage Judith Tews at David's Star Lutheran Church, Kirchhayn, WI. He served as vicar at Grace Lutheran Church, Oshkosh, WI, as well as at the UW-Oshkosh campus ministry. In 1971 he received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, WI.

Once ordained, Bob received his first call to a dual parish in Michigan. He faithfully served Our Savior Lutheran Church, Marlette, MI, as well as St. James Lutheran Church, North Branch, MI. He was also instrumental in starting the mission congregation Christ Lutheran Church in Imlay City, MI. Bob spent more than 20 years of his ministry at University Lutheran Chapel, Oshkosh, WI, a church for students attending UW-Oshkosh. He was also a chaplain at Winnebago Mental Health, Oshkosh, WI. His final call was again a dual parish, this time at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Larsen, WI and Zion Lutheran Church, Readfield, WI. Bob retired in 2011 after 40 years in the ministry.

When he wasn't busy with church activities, Bob enjoyed setting up his model trains, cheering on Nascar driver Matt Kenseth, taking scenic rides with Judy and entertaining his grandkids.

Bob leaves loving memories to be cherished by his wife of 44 years, Judy, and children: Lisa (Mike) Olson, Howards Grove, WI; Nate Diener, Plymouth, WI and Adam Diener, Austin, TX. He was a proud Papa to his grandchildren Zachary, Ashleigh, Caleb, Chelseigh and the recently baptized baby Kyleigh. Bob is survived by four brothers: Ronald Diener, Wellfleet, MA; John (Judy) Diener, Lawrenceville, GA; David (Debbie) Diener, Slinger, WI and Dick (Annette) Diener, Port Washington, WI. He will also be fondly remembered by his mother-in-law Selma Taws, Cedarburg, WI ; sister-in-law Carolyn (Rev. Karl) Vets, Gladwin, MI and brother-in-law Roger (Lynne) Taws, Kirchhayn, WI as well as an aunt, many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents as well his father-in-law Harry Tews and brother Rev. James (Cheryl) Diener, Waupaca, WI.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday (Feb. 24) at 4:30 P.M. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (N5590 Country Aire Road, Plymouth). Rev. Charles Heup, pastor of the church will officiate. Private burial will take place at a later date.

Friends may call at the CHURCH on Sunday from 12:00 Noon until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Plymouth, WI or St. Paul's Lutheran School, Howards Grove, WI.

The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving his family. For online condolences, please visit, www.suchonfh.com.

"Well done, good and faithful servant" Matthew 25:23