Dick Henry Diekema

Dick Henry Diekema, age 85, of Fremont, Michigan, passed away in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by family, on September 28, 2025, in Fremont. He was born on August 12, 1940, in Fremont, and was a lifelong resident of the community.

Mr. Diekema graduated from Fremont High School in 1958 and later completed coursework at Aquinas College, receiving most of his vocational training on the job. At age seventeen he met Sandra Stebelton on a blind date, beginning a marriage that spanned sixty-five years. He became a father at nineteen with the birth of their first child, Kathy Evans.

Mr. Diekema spent his entire career with Gerber Products in Fremont. He began in the mail room, advanced to computer operator, and later served as data processing supervisor. Among his contributions, he developed the company punch in and punch out time clock system, which was used for many years. He was known as a dedicated and hardworking employee who took pride in doing the job right.

Mr. Diekema was a longstanding member of Fremont United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the Fremont Moose. He supported charitable causes including the Fraternal Order of Police and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He gave generously of his time, serving for several years as a volunteer driver with the American Cancer Society and with the Fremont Cancer Center, roles he took great pride in, and as a volunteer valet at Gerber Memorial Hospital in Fremont. He enjoyed woodworking and found satisfaction in caring for his lawn. He was a fan of the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers, and he enjoyed NASCAR and other forms of auto racing.

Mr. Diekema is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Sandra (Stebelton) Diekema; his children Kathy and Jerry Evans, Scott and Karen Diekema, and Diane and Tom Smith; and eight grandchildren, Tiffany and Chad Burt, Kristoffer Diekema and Justin Hagar, Richard Jay Jr. and Erin Diekema, Elizabeth Evans, Emily and Andrew Abdel-Malik, Derk Smith and significant other, Jacob and Savannah Evans, and Austin Smith and significant other. He is also survived by step grandchild Marissa White and Shane Hendrickson; four great grandchildren, Chad Burt, Silas Burt, Nathalie Abdel-Malik, and Robin Diekema; and two step great grandchildren, Jaedyn White and Camryn White.

He was preceded in death by his son Richard Diekema; his parents Dick and Henrietta (Ensing) Diekema; his siblings Richard Diekema and Edna Kersting; his parents in law Ruffo and Evelyn Stebelton; his brothers in law Ron Stebelton and Douglas Stebelton; and his dear friend Milton Bolles.

Funeral services will be held at Fremont United Methodist Church, 351 Butterfield Street, Fremont, Michigan, on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Visitation will take place at the church from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 3:00 p.m., led by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Jue and Rev. Jamie Evans. In honor of Dick's favorite color, the family invites guests to wear blue to the funeral services. Interment will be at Fremont Maple Grove Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Harmony Hospice of Newaygo County, with special appreciation for his hospice nurse, Nichole, and to his home care team, Tara and Caitlin, for their exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harmony Hospice of Newaygo County, with checks payable to Harmony Hospice of Newaygo County, and to Newaygo County Compassion Home. Online gifts to Compassion Home may be made at:
https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E350757&id=1&fbclid=IwAR2OFXFIY47lHyYgzVNUUeMUEKdkhsE4giA2ZBipbPFMMWfILMePQwsU-nI