David W. Diehl, of South Whitehall Township, passed away on October 24, 2019 at age 84. Born September 26, 1935, he was a son of the late Robert and Ruth (Nonnemacher) Diehl of Bethlehem. Dave was happily married to Dorothy (Mikylychak) for 56 years. He was a 1953 graduate of Liberty High School and a 1957 graduate of Moravian College, majoring in history. He earned his Masters Degree in Economics from the University of Illinois in 1971. Dave honorably served his country in the Army during peacetime.

Dave followed his calling in service to the church from an early age, becoming an organist in the Moravian Church at age 13 and continuing to play music and direct choirs until his retirement in 2015 from Jordan Lutheran Church, Orefield, where he joyfully served for 45 years. He actively encouraged church members young and old to join choir or pick up their instruments again to help provide beautiful music to the congregation. He loved driving his children and their friends to rehearsals in his red VW bus.

Dave taught economics, government, and history at Parkland High School for 40 years, serving as History Department Chairman and retiring in 2000. He contributed to Parkland's music program by directing the pit orchestra for several school musicals, and he directed wind ensembles at the annual Baccalaureate service for graduating seniors. Dave often said that his favorite years at Parkland were those when his own children, nieces, and nephew were there, along with all their friends.

Dave especially loved spending time with his wife and family, enjoying train excursions, biking, kayaking, skiing, and model railroading with his grandsons.

In addition to his wife, Dave is survived by son Dave Jr (Wendy) of Long Pond and daughter Kathy Everleth (Christopher) of Emmaus; grandsons Daniel Diehl and Ryan Everleth; brothers Robert and Ned, both of Bethlehem; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters Lois Pyle and Patricia Dimmick and brothers Donald and John.

Services: A Memorial service is scheduled for 4:00 pm, next Sunday, November 3, at Jordan Lutheran Church, 5103 Snowdrift Rd., Orefield. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Arrangements entrusted to Keller Funeral Home, Fogelsville. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.KellerFuneralHomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dave's memory are gratefully accepted by Cedarbrook Allentown Men's Alzheimer's Unit, or by SpiriTrust Lutheran Hospice c/o the Funeral Home, PO Box 52, Fogelsville, 18051.

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

Published by Morning Call on Oct. 27, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for David Diehl

Sponsored by Keller Funeral Homes, Inc - Fogelsville.

19 Entries

Dan Willertz

November 5, 2019

Dave was not only my teacher in high school, but also the organist and all around music guy at Jordan Lutheran. His enthusiasm for organ and harpsichord music is an understatement and also for organizing other musical ensembles during church services. I have many fond memories being accompanied by himself on some form of keyboard along with other talented individuals, especially his daughter, Kathy. I am saddened hearing about his passing and would like to express my sincere condolences to his family. Dan Willertz, PHS 88.

ROBERT BRAND

November 4, 2019

I had the pleasure of knowing Dave while teaching history at Parkland. He was my department head and mentor! He was a gentleman, scholar, and friend! What a wonderful man! My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and students. We will all miss him dearly! Well done good and faithful servant.

Diane Cortazzo

November 4, 2019

I taught with Dave for many years at Parkland High School. What a wonderful man, teacher, and friend he was. I am so sad to hear of his passing. My best to his family. May he Rest In Peace!

Lou Czechowski Jr.

November 3, 2019

My sincere condolences to your family. My childhood memories of our families getting together still brings me joy. May peace be with you.

Keith Brooks

November 3, 2019

It going to be a long day my friend. I'll be there to share it with you. Your dad had the best family. He's finally whole again and at rest.

Regina Madalena

November 2, 2019

I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Diehl was one of my favorite teachers at Parkland, and I remember him fondly. He was an excellent person in addition to being an excellent teacher. I was also glad that I was able to thank him for getting me through two semester of college econ from his class.

Michele Horn

October 29, 2019

Dave and Kathy,I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Parkland will always remember him as a wonderful teacher and role model.Thoughts and prayers with your family at this time of loss.
Michele Brooks Horn

October 28, 2019

To the family of David Diehl,

We are sorry for your loss. The Young's Music Store family will miss his joyful spirit. He always had a kind word of encouragement and appreciation for us when he came into the store. It always impressed me that each time he was in the store he would talk of his wife and would refer to her as his "lovely bride of ____ years" (however many years you were married at the time). I have never personally met David's "bride" but I pray the Lord will fill you with His love to fill that gap missing from the passing of your "handsome groom"

Pat & Dale Weaver
Young's Music Store

Monica Keller Large

October 28, 2019

I was sad to hear of Mr. Diehl's passing, he was a fantastic teacher and a wonderful human being. I will never forget sitting in his economics classes and being truly inspired. To his family and friends, please know his passing will be felt and he will be missed by many -- far and wide. My most sincere condolences, may he Rest in Peace.

David Umla

October 28, 2019

I was saddened to hear of David Diehl's passing. I worked with his daughter Kathy at Rodale and had the honor and privilege of collaborating with David at Jordan Lutheran Church at a few services over the summer years ago. Always a treat. What a fantastic musician and true gentleman. He will be missed. Rest in peace, David. And my sympathy to your family and friends.

Pete Fridirici

October 28, 2019

Mr. Diehl was probably my favorite teacher at Parkland. If there was ever anybody who was cut out for teachingwitty, relatable, good naturedhe was a textbook example, pardon the pun, and he made the otherwise dismal study of economics fun. Rest In Peace Mr. Diehl.

Michelle Berger (Pumm)

October 28, 2019

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Diehl in life as a student At Parkland High school. We met again at the end of his life as he shared a room with my grandfather. They both flew home within 24 hours of each other. May you Rest In Peace sir. My deepest condolences and prayers to the family he has left behind.

Xo

Barbara (Zweifel) Scherer

October 27, 2019

To the family of David Diehl--I sang on the choir at College Hill Moravian Church many years ago and David was our organist. He was a wonderful musician and had a very nice personality. He always had a smile on his face. May he rest in peace!

October 27, 2019

To Dave, Kathy and family,

I am saddened to hear of your father's passing. He was my first economics teacher, and I was fortunate to be one of those kids that he speaks of in the years he loved most about teaching. I spent countless hours my senior year in his classroom talking about non economics related subjects. I treasure those discussions and the insights shared. Two memories that stick with me are his use of a chemistry beaker as a drinking glass, and his extensive use of the phrase, to wit. I am proud to have continued your father's passion for the subject of Economics as an adjunct instructor at Penn State's Lehigh Valley campus from 2010 to 2016. I truly believe your father made this world a better place. Hopefully his light shines on and is amplified not just in me, but in all those who he likewise touched in his own unique way.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Diehl.

John M. Gaughan
PHS '82

Dan Devine

October 27, 2019

I'm very sorry for your loss. I loved his economics class which motivated me to take many econ classes as an undergraduate and graduate student. He clearly made an very positive impact on my career path. Dan Devine PHS '76.

October 27, 2019

Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace

Anna-Mari Martz

October 26, 2019

To the family of Dave Diehl

I want to say how sorry I am to hear of Dave's passing. He was a great person and teacher. I really loved having him be the organist and choir director at Jordan. He made learning music fun. I also heard that he was a great teacher at Parkland High School. It was sad when he stepped down from being the organist/ choir director from Jordan and when I heard that we past away that was such a sad thing.

I am thinking of you all in this time of sadness.

Love Anna-Mari Martz

October 26, 2019

I had Mr. Diehl for 9th grade history. I thought he was a very good teacher! D. Gracely

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