David Jon Diedtrich

David Jon Diedtrich was born on October 5, 1958 to Harvey and Phonia Diedtrich in Murdo, SD. He was the eldest of two siblings. The family moved to Eureka, SD in 1967. He graduated from Eureka High School in 1976. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Linda Mehlhaff in 1977. Together they had three children, Derrick, Angie and Robert. He subsequently pursued his education at Northern State University and received a Bachelor of Science which led him to pursue a career in Environmental Science. Later, he moved with his family to Arvada, Colorado in 1987 with the opportunity to start his career in the field he chose. Beginning as a Certified Industrial Hygienist of Health and Safety Management, this led to numerous opportunities, transitioning to several states throughout his career; namely, Washington state, working at the Hanford site. He also followed a job opportunity in Idaho, finishing his professional career and retiring in Pueblo, Colorado, where he completed his indirect contract with the Department of Defense. Throughout his career, he maintained his affiliation with the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.

Early in his life, he enjoyed playing the bass guitar in his band, Clearwater. He also enjoyed playing softball, golfing and skiing. He very much enjoyed outdoor activities in South Dakota involving fishing, boating, and hunting. Spending quality time with his family, children and grandchildren at the river was the highlight of his summers. He also enjoyed traveling and taking adventurous open road trips with Linda, on his Harley. Throughout the years he dedicated some of his time to volunteering as an usher at his local church.

David is survived by his mother, Phonia Diedtrich, his wife Linda, his daughter Angie, and his youngest son Robert. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Jericha and Deion Fuentes, and Alena, Autumn and Hailey Diedtrich. Additional survivors include his sister Susan (Larry) Czarnowski; sister-in-law Kathryn (Mehlhaff) Newman and her husband Tim; brother-in-law's Clark and Jerald Mehlhaff; nephews Stephen Czarnowski and Jimmy Newman, and his niece Jessica Newman. He is preceded in death by his father Harvey Diedtrich, in-laws Harvey and Miletta Mehlhaff, brother-in-law Lester and his wife Terri. He is also preceded in death by his eldest son, Derrick Diedtrich.