Will E. Diekmann

In Loving Memory of Our Opa
After 90 full and meaningful years, our beloved Opa passed peacefully into the arms of our Eternal Father in Heaven. A man of deep integrity and unwavering strength, he will always be remembered for his kind and charitable heart, as well as his enduring love for his family.
Orphaned at the age of 10, he emigrated from war-torn West Germany at 19, arriving alone with a small savings through Ellis Island in search of a better life. He served honorably in the United States Army before beginning his lifelong trade as a brick mason-a craft he pursued with quiet dedication until his retirement at the age of 60. His commitment to hard work was unmatched, and his life stood as a testament to perseverance and resilience.
He devoted himself wholly to providing for his family, building not only a livelihood but a legacy. On a hilltop in Freedom, Indiana, he created a cherished homestead that has become a retreat for generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren from Indiana and Florida. That place, and the love it holds, will remain a lasting part of who we are.
He passed away surrounded by the love of his family in the peaceful comfort of his own home, following a courageous two-year battle with an aggressive form of lung cancer. True to his spirit, he faced that battle as a warrior, defying the odds and gifting us many more months with him.
We miss you dearly. Toksa ake ~ until we meet again.