Leonard A. "Fritz" Diedrich

Leonard "Fritz" Diedrich, 94, of rural Malone "Garnet" passed away Sunday, January 8, 2023, at Villa Loretto. He was born, the youngest of ten children, to William and Bergetta (Preissner) Diedrich. On May 9, 1951, he married Myra Schaefer at St. Mary's Church in Chilton. Together they raised seven children on their hobby farm/mink ranch. He was a member of Our Lady of The Holyland Parish – Marytown Church and a former member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Jericho.
In his early years, Fritz was employed by Hugo Diedrich Welding, Arps Corp., and finished his working career as a mason for 37 years with Capelle Brothers and Diedrich. After retirement, he worked for the Town of Calumet Recycling Center.
Fritz was a member of the Calumet Fire Department (where he served as chief for several years), Brothertown Fishing Club, and Catholic Financial Life. He enjoyed playing cards, woodworking, gardening, traveling, watching his purple martins, and could fix almost anything. But his happiest moments were the times he spent with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Myra, of 71 years, seven children, 13 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Children: Joanne Diedrich, Nancy Stephanie, Tom (Chris) Diedrich, Sharon Diedrich, Ken (Sandy) Diedrich, Jan (Doug) Goebel, and Carol (Jef) Voelker. Grandchildren: Rob and Jamie Stephanie, Niki (Brant) Kraemer, Erin (Adam) Rolf, Mike (Dani) Diedrich, Matt Diedrich, Brian (Taylor) Diedrich, Melissa (Simon) Ziegelbauer, Chelsea (Dave) Burda, Ryan (Marcy Kucia) Goebel, Jake Voelker, Sam (Kayce) Voelker, Aubrey (Nate Hannan) Voelker. Great-Grandchildren: Iven Rieder, Avery Rolf, Finn Voelker and Baby Diedrich due in February. Brothers-in-Law: Claude Jr. (Sue) Schaefer, John Steenport, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Fritz was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in law Claude Sr. and Sophia Schaefer, his siblings: Rose (Ray) Ecker, Hugo, Leo (Rosine), Monica (Hilary) Ecker, Nicholas "Jake" (Edah), Bill (Ginny), Mary (Steve) Amel, Bob (Arlene and Bernice), and Dorothy (Howard) Rather. In-Laws: Mildred (Frank) Satzer, Margaret (Clarence) Propson, Don (Terry) Schaefer, Earl Schaefer, Cyril (Jackie) Schaefer, and Barb Steenport. Son-in-Law Bob Stephanie and Daughter-in-Law Barb Gorman.
A Liturgy Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Our Lady of the Holyland Parish-St. Mary Church in Marytown (N10232 County Road G, New Holstein, WI 53061). Rev. Larry Abler, OFM Cap will officiate.
Visitation: Family and friends may visit with Fritz's family at the Sippel Funeral Home, 2618 Altona Avenue, New Holstein, WI on Wednesday, January 11th from 3:30 PM until 7:00 PM. Visitation will also take place Thursday morning, January 12th at the church in Marytown from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM.
Fritz's family would like to express sincere appreciation to the entire staff of Villa Loretto, SSM St Agnes Hospice, and Father Larry Abler.
For further information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net.