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N. Diebel Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for N. Diebel
Sponsored by Trinity Parents for Christine Hempsted.
Lisa Barber
September 26, 2018
To the Diebel Family and friends,
I have saved a beautiful & heartbreaking Baby Story show with Dr Don Diebel Jr in it. I watch it at least once a week if not more. I can't even remotely try & guess how many times I've have watched it now over the year's. I mostly watch this recordings when I'm emotionally down to see how much I need to be grateful for.
I feel like I've known Dr Donnie Diebel Jr for so many year's and if I ever needed anyone to talk to, it definitely would have been him, even though we never met. His beautiful soul and charisma just invites you in and makes you feel so incredibly loved. As far as anyone that has crossed his path, You're so so very lucky & blessed to have known this man's beautiful and absolutely amazingly loving human being.
To say my deepest condolences to everyone, just wouldn't be enough.. But I do know that the Lord needed him for much more important & loving purpose's. May you all have a bit less heartache knowing you will all see him once again.
So very very sorry for your sudden & heart breaking loss. I truly can't wait to officially meet this unremarkable & beautiful soul one day.
Our Deepest Condolences
Miller Family
cheryl safar
May 9, 2018
Sorry for your lose
Colette Mitchell
March 6, 2017
Good DayI saw the show maternity ward this morning and it featured Dr. Diebel very good show. Five minutes before the show was to end they did a piece on Dr. Diebel I was so sadden by this tragedy it made my heart sad. What a wonderful man he was, wonderful Husband
DALLYS WOLFEL
April 20, 2016
What a great man to give the ultimate sacrifice any real great man could give. BUT I think had he known he would have left his kids without their father he might have thought twice about what he did. But he was too focused on doing what he was meant.....save lives and that he did that day. RIP Doc Don Jr. God has been watching over your babies growing.
Dawn Stanley
November 15, 2014
Wow I just finished watching the episode with Dr. Donald. & his father you could see the love & passion for what he did that that's a Blessing it was heartbraking @ the end to find out that he had lost his life but at the same time he was doing what he love to do and that was helping ppl how ever he could so God Bless your whole family he was a jewel that will for ever be missed yet remembered. Thank you
May 3, 2013
I just watched a program on Discovery Health. I loved watching your husband/son and how happy he seemed when he was delivering babies. It broke my heart at the end of the show when it said he had been killed while attempting to help someone in an auto accident. I am praying for you and your famiy. I am so sorry for your loss.
schwanda bryant
March 14, 2013
Sorry to hear of your lost I just seen him on the TV show from Arnold Palmer.my son was born June 8 2004.
Rosaura Palma
June 23, 2012
One day Isaw a program about this doctor an the hospital when he worked with his father.At the end Icouldn´t believe that this wonderful human being was dead.I always remenber him giving his life to help other people.
Lynn Hadley
April 4, 2012
Just saw a programme about his work, so very sad that a great person has left this earth at such a young age.
What a wonderful person being he was.
Judith Edmond
March 24, 2011
FLY BY:
Everything happens so fast i call it fly by, because thats exactly what the time has done.
My life is perfect one day then my happiness decreases, the fly by of time is what that really means.
You cant change your life is what i was told but im doing what it takes to keep my heart made of gold.
Looking in his eyes the time has left my counting, I know im happy where im at as long as time keeps flying.
September 23, 2010
Always thinking of you.
DANIELLE CAHILL
July 29, 2010
DR. DON DIEBEL JR. BROUGHT MY DAUGHTER INTO THIS WORLD ON AUG.4,1997. WE STILL HAVE A PICTURE OF HIM HOLDING HER. WE WERE GREATLY SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF THIS WONDERFUL DOCTOR,HUSBAND,SON,FATHER AND FRIEND. WE STILL THESE 8 YEARS LATER THINK OF HIM ON OCCASION AND SAY A PRAYER FOR HIS FAMILY THAT WILL MISS HIM DEARLY UNTIL THEY MEET AGAIN. GOD BLESS
Kathy Anderson
November 12, 2002
These are the two poems I wrote in June and gave to Dr. Diebel, Sr. and family. I feel that Dr. Diebel, Jr. was a great loss to society, but most of all to his family members, close colleagues, and friends. After the show Materinty Ward, many more felt the loss.
I will post these poems of Dr. N. Donald Diebel, Jr. (Donnie) in his honor and memory.
To the family and friends: Remember, the Lord is always watching down upon us. He will not give us more than we can handle.
I believe that Donnie is sitting beside Him and looking down upon his loved ones with his luminious smile!
So, here are the poems in Donnie's honor.
Ode To Donnie
Excitement came alive, as little Donald had arrived,
In Bloomington, Indiana, the Diebel family thrived
A loved and happy addition and memories bestowed,
For lo and behold another child was added to the load.
He was a mischievous little tyke, even when he rode a bike,
And his young adventures by far, made him a wild star!
He would climb on top a roof so high or in a tree so tall,
Acting as if he did not hear the call, “Please don’t fall!”
He grew up a Christian in this wonderful land,
Happy, playing just being a boy while he can.
Donald knew at times he would comprehend
That his father was a buddy and his best friend.
He always had a wide, melting smile upon his face,
The whole world would remember it and embrace.
Because his personality was known and loved by all,
His charisma made a proud Daddy stand very tall.
For as a boy this you would see,
His love of life, for you and me!
And as he grew into a nice, young man,
He had doctoring on his mind and in his hands.
Follow Dad’s foot steps is what I want to be,
An OB & GYN specialist, just him and me!
So together they went to save the world,
Even after he met this beautiful girl!
He met Karen MeGuigan and her gang,
Just friendly Georgia folks who sat and sang,
For when excitedly he asked Karen to be his wife,
He knew he wanted her for the rest of his life!
We pray to God we need the rain,
But why did He leave us with such pain?
He took our Donnie on June 8, 2002,
While doing what he did best, helping you!
Oh Lord, why oh why we ask again,
Why did you take this gentleman?
While Mary lost her Son, Jesus, at 33,
Karen lost her love, 2 years older than He.
It should not have happened, I don’t know why,
Why do the Good Samaritans all have to die?
Jesus and Donald both gave their lives for man,
Jesus to save our souls; Don, save whoever he can.
He was always compassionate and considerate of you,
Not only your doctor but also a friend so true.
He made you feel as ease, comforting through the night,
Patients received his full attention he calmed their fright.
Dr. Donald, Jr. was always smiling, working with gentle hands,
While his eyes would twinkle and dance, mending was his plan.
When he made hospital rounds and noticed you were down,
He’d come back and stay with you till there wasn’t a frown.
Save the world was what he would do; save the women and babies too!
Love this life all you can, for one day we will be in the Promised Land.
The Lord took Donald so fast; his memories make us rely on the past.
Capture the essence of life; embrace it with our hearts through this strife.
There are so many stories about him, a legacy he has left
The words “I love you”, whispered with his last breath.
I am sure Donald Diebel is in heaven at the Pearly Gates,
As he watches his flock with every breath they take.
Every day the heavens have shed raindrops of tears,
And every day I look up and try to hide my fears.
So capture the memories of the lives he did save,
His gallant acts, wife and family he started to raise.
I hold this poem in my hands and read it every day,
Hoping it will help heal and make the pain go away.
Although Donnie’s life is gone, his memory lives on.
Someday we will meet again and share the dawn!
A Letter From Donnie
If only I had known that life would be so short,
I would have asked you to take another walk.
I would have held you closer just one more time
And hugged the boys until they chimed!
So dearest Karen, you are the love of my life,
The happiest day was when you became my wife!
I know our vows said until death do us part,
I’m no longer with you, but always in your heart.
I know our separation came suddenly,
But the Lord called and took me heavenly.
This Place is peaceful and full of love,
And I am always watching you from above.
I won’t be there to watch the boys grow,
But I’ll protect you while they learn all you know.
Tell Conor while I’m gone he’ll be the man,
So let him help his mama when he can.
And Liam and Nicholas you little tykes!
Love your grandparents Mom, Dad, Peter, and Joan,
Do not leave them alone, call on the phone,
Let them know you care with a love to share.
Karen, can you give a message to my Dad?
Tell him; remember all the fun times we had.
And Mom, Peter, and Chris, here is a little kiss
To keep the family together, so I won’t be missed.
Tell the family I am with them all the time
With nature at its best, I’m riding on cloud nine!
The boom of the thunder is my deep, deep laugh
And the soft summer breeze, the whisper of my breath.
And when you go to bed at night, squeeze the pillow tight,
Show the boys I am the twinkling star watching from afar
For I am a new star in the sky, waving to you as I go by,
Or like a shooting star falling, protecting you until morning.
As the morning sunlight does appear, it will wipe away the tear,
So wipe the sleep away from your eyes, as the sun does rise.
For another day and night have gone, I’ll be with you through the morn.
Think again about tomorrow, happiness will over come your sorrow.
Anja McNeil
October 18, 2002
I too am one of many who watched your son on Maternity Ward and sat horrified as I heard the shocking news that he passed away so tragically...I watched your son light up the room with that amazing smile and saw how he brought comfort and reassurance to his patients with such ease. I am a total stranger yet feel so saddened by this and wish I had known such a man. His bubbling personality and sheer love for what he did was so emmensely clear during that brief, televised glance into his life. Watching father and son perform together and listening to them talk about their wonderfully close relationship made it all the more difficult to understand why on earth these tragedies happen. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Tammy Hebner
October 16, 2002
Having just watched Maternity Ward on television recently, I felt impelled to send my condolences to the Diebel family. In this episode I watched a wonderful doctor in action. Although I did not know this man my thoughts and prayers are with his family. I do not understand why things like this happen nor can I try to explain them. Please take comfort in this message and the fact that Dr. Don Diebel Jr has touched so many lives-even those in other countries. Thank you for allowing others to get a glimpse of what a great man he was. God bless you all.
Suzanne Mace
October 15, 2002
I watched Dr. Diebel on Maternity Ward last night. I was shocked and saddened when the narrator explained that he had passed away earlier this year but I was touched by the way in which he died. I hope his family has taken great comfort in the fact that he died trying to help another person. And as a fellow Catholic, I believe that his final act did not go unnoticed and therefore will not go unrewarded. God Bless his family and friends !!
Debbie Nolan
October 15, 2002
I saw him on "Maternity Ward" and I thought, I would have loved him for a doctor when I had my son because he seemed so personable and friendly and caring. He looked like such a genuine man. Then at the end of the program when they announced his death I was deeply sadened all evening. He was so young. I guess watching this great doctor and the miracles he preformed daily, really touched me and reminded me how fragile life really is. God Bless his family.
Sabina Coronado
August 18, 2002
Dear Diebel Family,
I have been in shock since Margie Evans informed me of Donnie's tragic death. Words are insufficient to express the depth of my sadness at the world's loss of his generous presence, much less to express my sorrow over your painful separation from him.
Although it has been 4 years since I last saw Donnie when he took time out of an undoubtedly hectic schedule to visit my daughter after the birth of her 3rd son delivered by OB & GYN Specialists. He was as sweet and unassuming as ever, and it is easy to see why his patients and co-workers loved him from the beginning.
My prayers are with all of you; know that you are joined in your grief by so many of us touched forever by Donnie's spirit--one small part of a large legacy for such a young man!
Stella Otto
August 14, 2002
My deep condolances to the family.
Stella Otto
Angela Reid
July 24, 2002
To everyone who knew, and therefore loved Donnie,
It has been four years since I have seen Donnie, but I spent a lot of time around the Diebel family when we were adolescents. (Sabina Coronado's daughter) I remember these times together as warm and friendly. My prayers are with all of you. The tragedy of losing someone like Donnie is difficult to grasp, even for those of us on the periphery of his life. I cannot fathom what his family must be feeling, but I will share my own struggle, and what finally gave me peace.
If we go back to our beliefs in a loving and benevolent God, from whom can come no evil, we must believe that He was not responsible for Donnie's death. If untimely death is suffering, caused by evil, I would suggest that it was evil that determined Donnie would die, and it was God's grace that determined he die in a way that would honor how he lived. He died doing what he came here to do, love, serve, and heal. It was the best part of him that shone as he was extinguished. I pray that
his children, wife, family and even far away friends like me, can take with them, that in his dying moment, he was the embodiment of everything we trust and need in healers: Brave, selfless, determined and dedicated.
My deepest condolences to all of you, and my promise that the million dollar smile will live forever in my memory as good guy that grew into a remarkable man.
Angela
Kimberly Brooks
July 24, 2002
To Don, Anne and the entire Diebel family,
I just heard about your terrible loss today. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kim Brooks
Michael Carlin
July 7, 2002
Don was my sons roommate at N.Dame. From the day I first met him, I not only liked him, but I felt close to him as my own children.
He was one of the best friends that my son David ever had and one that I truly admired and respected. He was always concerned and interested in what David was doing. I relied on his help and opinion on those times that David needed support and a friend to get him through the difficult times of combining school agenda with the wrestling program. He not only helped him emotionally, but took the time to attend the meets and offer encouragement. Words can't express the feelings I had for that young man. He truly was an inspiration to all whoever knew him.
May God bless his wife and family and give them the strength to endure this strategy. Don was always my hero and always will. He was truly a man's man and will be missed.
Thank you Mr.& Mrs Diebel for raising such a wonderful example of great son.
Sincere condolences,
MR.& Mrs Michael J.Carlin
Fairview, Ohio
Varin de Lage II
June 30, 2002
I would just like to send my utmost condolences to the entire Diebel family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom,evelyn & Thalia Dionisio
June 26, 2002
May God your family and thank you for delivering our first born child.
Brian & Micki Boulac
June 24, 2002
Dear Anne, Don, Chris, Karen, Connor, Liam, Nicholas and extended family,
From the underside of the tapestry, it is diffcult to grasp the purpose of such a tragedy. Perhaps, some day this will make sense. The world has lost a valuable asset. And, Don, you are so right. This is not supposed to happen.
You have many friends. We love you and are always here.
Kris Corlette
June 21, 2002
I knew Donny since he was three years old. He had grown to a gifted physician, father, husband, man - but I also remember a mischevious little boy. I remember looking down Oaklawn Ave and if there was a group of kids all looking up in a tree - Donny was on the top of it. If there was a group of kids all looking up at a house, Donny was on the roof. And then he'd look at you to say "What???" Like he had NO idea that he was not where he was supposed to be.
Those memories make me smile.
Love always, Kris
Karen Schooley
June 20, 2002
My deepest sympathy goes out to your entire family. I wept when I heard the news on the radio. I know the pain of losing my parents and how deep that is for me, but losing a child (no matter the age) is a deeper loss still. I pray God's amazing strength and healing powers for the entire family. I was a patient of OB GYN Specialist and knew Anne Dieble from many years ago. My deepest most heartfelt regrets.
Kathy Anderson
June 20, 2002
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Diebel Family. Dr. Diebel, Jr. was the type of person you could meet once or twice and feel like you had a friend for life! We don't know what God has in store for us or when our time will be. All I know is that there is a emptiness in my heart --- it is your loss and ours. The pain will be here for some time, but capture the memories and live life with Don in your heart and on your mind.
I know he has grown wings and is up with the Spirit in the sky, smiling down with a twinkle in his eye. Personnally, I am having a hard time dealing with Dr. Donald Diebel, Jr. death and want to share something from my heart with the family. I will bring it by Dr. Diebel's, Sr. office soon for the whole family and hopefully I will also find some peace with this tragedy. Karen, I am sorry this message is so late but keep God in your heart and offer Him your troubles as He will help you through this time of sorrow.
Kathy Anderson
[email protected]
Pattie and Chad Reda
June 15, 2002
I feel very lucky that Dr. Diebel Jr. was available the night my daughter was born. She was very early and he helped my husband and I relax. He was a great Dr. and had a personal touch as well. We feel lucky to have known him even though it was for such a short time.
Our thoughts are with all of you in his family as well as colleagues and patients.
John and Kate Saxton
June 15, 2002
Dear Folks,
We were saddened by the news and loss of Donnie. Please know that we have and will continue to pray for the family over this great loss. We are at a loss of words.
Love, John and Katie Saxton and Kids
Julie Feuerbacher
June 14, 2002
To Ann & Family,
My thoughts and prayers have been with you this past week.
Julie Feuerbacher (Grabach)
Christa Green
June 13, 2002
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Diebel Family. I knew Dr. Donnie as a young guy 10 years old, when he was going out with my friend. He was so nice, so genuine. Over the years, I met his mom, and even his dad...they were sooo proud of him!!! Words can't erase the pain that you all feel...but just let God wrap his arms around your family and embrace you in your time of sorrow. I am sure that Donnie is looking down and flashing that big 'ol smile!!!
Tamara Overton
June 13, 2002
To Chris and the entire Diebel family. I want to express my deepest condolences and sympathy on the loss of Donnie. I only met him a few times, but from those few meetings and what I have read and heard, I can ascertain that he was a truly remarkable person. To have made such a difference in the world at the young age of 35 is incredible. I have put the little card from Donnie’s funeral in my wallet to remind me on a daily basis to be a better human being. Dr. Diebel Sr. and Anne Diebel-Lane, you should be proud for raising such outstanding children. I have known Chris for seven years now, and my admiration for her grows on a daily basis. At nine months pregnant she accomplishes more than I can on my best day! Chris – I grieve with you and am here for you, no matter what you need or what time of the day or night it is.
Linda Dupree
June 13, 2002
I have only been his patient for 3 years bue he was a wonderful and compasionate man during a difficult time in my life. He will be greatly missed and I pray that his friends and family will be comforted by the prayers of so many people whose lives he has touched.
Susan Casement
June 13, 2002
My thoughts and prayers are with your and your family.
Susan Casment
Karl Kleiderer
June 13, 2002
To all of the Diebel family,
Many people have spoken of Don's terrific smile and what it did for them on a dialy basis. I haven't seen Don for many years but I can see that wonderful, bright smile as I sit here now. I pray that his smile will brighten each of your days and that the Lord will walk with his hand on your shoulders as you all endure this difficult time. We are all blessed to have had Don in our lives. Peace be with you.
Beth Clouchete, RN/Lucerne Hospital/Women's Unit
June 13, 2002
To the entire Diebel Family,
Dr Dieble Jr was one of the nicest Dr's that I have worked with. I work nights and it didn't matter how many times that you had to call him in the middle of the night he was just as nice the last time you called as he was the first time. I remember last week I woke him up at 2am because his patient could not sleep. The next morning when I saw him I joked with him about his patient getting more sleep than him because he looked tired. He smiled that big beautiful smile that he has and said "I bet she did". I know that we all have our memories of him and I pray that those memories that the family has will give them the comfort that they need to get through those difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will be missed by all the nurses on 3W at Lucerne.
Dianne Brundage
June 12, 2002
Dear Diebel Family, I never met Don Jr. I wish that I had. As I have heard from numerous people with whom I work, he was kind, considerate and thoughtful. Having been a patient of his father's for 3 years, I can believe that the apple does not fall far from the tree. When in Dr. Diebel Sr's exam room, I felt like I had his undivided attention and that my problems were paramount. I'm sure that Dr D Jr's patients felt the same. As to the tragedy of the loss, no one can feel as the family does. Having kids at the school in which Chris counseled everyone about the death of a recent teacher, I am profoundly sad for her. She has been the pillar of strength for all of us at Trinity. Now we are here for you, Chris. Please know that and call on any of us day or night for anything that you might need. The greatest tragedy of this is Don's widow and kids, but in the last analysis they will be the ones most proud of him. The word "hero" is so empty until someone sees evidence of what it really means. No matter what happens in your future lives, Diebel family, you will always know that Don was a hero in the most overwhelming sense of the word. I never knew him, yet I will never forget him. Dianne Brundage
Cliff Douglas
June 12, 2002
My thoughts and prayers are with the Diebe family at this most tragic time. May God comfort them in their time of grief. I would like to give my sicere heart filled sorow to Karen and her children. As a co-worker Karen has always supported my department through complex and difficult issues. May God Bless Karen and all those that have experienced the loss of Dr. Donald Diebel, Jr.
Dianne Rigsby
June 12, 2002
I would like to send My Deepest Condolences to Karen, Connor, Liam & Nicholas and to the entire Diebel Family. May God Bless all of you at this tragic time.
Dianne Rigsby
Longwood, Fl
Robert Thomson II
June 12, 2002
"It wasn't supposed to be this way" were the words Dr. Diebel, Sr. spoke last evening as we offered our condolences to the family. It is impossible to reconcile why this happened to a man and a family that has done so good for so many. If the thousands of people who stood in line at the funeral home to support the family last evening was even the slightest indication of how much Dr. Diebel Jr. will be missed . . . I ask Karen and the Diebel family to call upon any or all of us for support during this difficult time. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many, including the entire Notre Dame family.
Rob Thomson, President, Notre Dame Club of Greater Orlando
Jennifer Tozzo
June 12, 2002
I am a firefighter/paramedic I did not know your son personally but I want ton let you know my heartfelt prayers are with you!!I appreciate what he did is helping those people and I know he will be missed and not forgotton!!!Very Sincerely, Jennifer L. Tozzo FSFC
Doug Weglarz (Secretary, ND '89)
June 12, 2002
On behalf of the University of Notre Dame's Class of 1989, our heartfelt sympathy and prayers for your family are offered.
Van And David Moser
June 11, 2002
To all of the Diebel family,
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Donnie will be greatly missed.
Words can not begin to express his wonderful impact on this world and the people he touched.
It is a huge loss for us and so many others. Our prayer is that God will comfort all of those who knew him.
Cheryl Cotter, M.D.
June 11, 2002
To the Diebel family:
Words cannot express the loss which my family and I feel. Don was both a wonderful physician during my recent pregnancy, and a friend. He rushed to Arnold Palmer Hospital on a day when he wasn't on call, only to miss the birth of my daughter by 5 minutes...an amazing human being. I will miss seeing his smiling face around the hospital.
Michelle Mazol
June 11, 2002
To Dr. Deibel Jr.'s Family,
I want to express our prayers and condolences to you during this difficult time. Dr. Deibel Jr. was an incredible doctor who cared for all his patients on a personal level. He brought our beautiful son into this world and he will be deeply missed by many people throughout our community. I feel truly blessed to have known him. I'm sure there are countless others who feel like their life was enriched in some way from knowing him either personally or professionally. I pray for strength and comfort for your family. God bless you all!
Diane Genberg
June 11, 2002
To The Diebel Family:
You are in our thoughts and prayers
during this most difficult time in
your lives. For some reason Shane
(my nephew) and your husband, son,
and brother were destined to meet
up on that tragic day to help out
as they always did in their daily
lives. There are no words to express how we all feel in Pennsylvania, but just to say may
God Bless You All.
Tom & Diane Genberg & Family Members
Delphine Hyde RN, Lucerne Women's Unit
June 11, 2002
My deepest sympathy to the Diebel family,
I will always remember Dr. Diebel Jr. as a kind and caring man, always showing the greatest respect to his patients and the nurses. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that brightened our days. May the Lord carry you through this difficult time and may your memories comfort you in the days ahead.
Rachael and Kevin Noonan
June 11, 2002
To the family of Dr. Diebel, Jr. -- Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to you all at the devastating loss of your son, husband, father and friend. We had the pleasure of getting to know Dr. Diebel, Jr. as patients of his practice, and we consider ourselves blessed to have been touched by his kindness and generosity of spirit for the short time we had. He truly was a special man, and he will be missed by many.
Kevin and Rachael Noonan
Francis Heidrich III
June 11, 2002
To all of Donny's family, I offer you my prayers and condolences in such a difficult moment in your lives. While it doesn't seem right that such a catastrophe can occur to someone who is held in such high regard, at least there is some bit of comfort in knowing that he was following the goodness of his heart. Still, the loss is a great one, and I hope that the gift of time & family will ease your suffering. If there is anything I may do to help you in dealing with this crisis, I would be honored to do so. God bless all of you.
Michael Tortorici
June 11, 2002
Karen,
I am so sorry to here about Don. Michele and my prayers and love go out to you an the boys. I remeber some great times all together at the Long Boat Key Club.
Please, if there is anything we could ever do for you please don't hestiate to call.
Take care of your Boys and feel good about what a great man Don was and the family he has given you.
Love and Prayers Michael and Michele
Lisa Jo Margeson, RNC (APH)
June 11, 2002
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Donnie was a great guy, a wonderful doctor and a great friend. Knowing his father for almost 20 years, it is no wonder where he got his caring attitude and zest for life. We always worked well together. Always ready to conjure up a good laugh in the middle of the night. He made the ultimate sacrifice. He gave his life in helping someone else. Such an unselfish act shall truly be rewarded in Heaven. My payers are that his family, esp. Karen and the boys, find comfort in God's love. May your strength continue to grow in your faith. Know that God had prepared a special place for Donnie in Heaven. He was an inspiration and blessing to us all. The last time I worked with Donnie was last Tuesday night. We joked about me changing my name 5 months before and he just found out that night... I remember saying to him "Come on Diebel.... Get with the program". His face lit up and he had a great laugh. Always smiling, alway laughing. That is how I will remember Donnie. My love and prayers to all of his family and friends. Rely on your faith. Keep it strong and one day we will understand why God needed to take him from us so soon.
I will miss you deeply Donnie. God bless you. Thanks for being a wonderful friend.
Love, Lisa Jo
Vanessa and David Hammer
June 11, 2002
The Diebel family is in our prayers and thoughts as you cope with this tragic accident. We are confident that Don is looking upon all of you right now trying to give you the strength you need to deal with your loss. God bless you.
Chet Artysiewicz
June 11, 2002
Know that you all are in our hearts and our prayers at this excruciating time.
May God strengthen you; may the love and support of those dear to you
sustain you. Peace.
Fr. Chet
George Droll
June 11, 2002
I knew Donnie during his chilhood in Iowa City, IA where his family lived in the mid 70's. My wife Karla and I send our prayers to the families.
Marilynn Soto
June 11, 2002
Dear Dr. Diebel Sr. and Family,
I am so sorry about your loved one. May the Lord be with you and your family in this time of sorrow. May the good Lord help the entire family to carry this terrible cross that has come upon all of you. May He confort you and your family and may the good memories of your loving son help you heal the terrible pain you are experiencing at this moment.
With Love and Prayers,
Corey and Cyndi (Yag) Howard
June 10, 2002
Dear Family and Friends of Don:
We are so very sorry to hear of the unbelievable events that led to Don's premature passing. Corey and I were in medical school with Don at the University of South Florida College of Medicine and knew him to be a standout person with a smile and easy-going way that made him a joy to be around. He truly made life better for everyone he touched. We will never know why God takes the beautiful people, for he recently took my effervescent mother as well. There must be a greater plan that we will never be able to understand. May God bless each of you as you search to find strength to deal with your tragic loss. You are all in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers.
Love, Corey, Cyndi, Aubrey, Bradley and Benjamin Howard
Lori Beasley
June 10, 2002
I have been a patient of Dr. Diebel Sr. for 12 years and I was blessed to get to know his son who delivered my third daughter. Ironically her name is Hope. Her name has a new special meaning to me now. I'll never forget Dr. Diebel Jr. walking into my room at the hospital and seeing that I was all alone, as everyone had left me to eat lunch, he sat down and watched Days of Our Lives and talked to me. He made you feel very comfortable and his smile could brighten the darkest of rooms. My deepest condolences to Dr.Diebel Sr., his wife and three little boys. My prayers are with you, and I know he will be watching over all of you! Lori
Karen Hanna
June 10, 2002
My deepest sympathy to all the family of Dr. Diebel Jr. Although I have only been his patient for a couple of years, he made you feel like he had known you all his life. He was a true hero and will be greatly missed. May God bless and comfort Dr Diebel Jr's family.
Robben Watts
June 10, 2002
I did not know Dr. Diebel personally and only met him once when he delivered my brothers son. He was a nice man. I am a patient at the practice and wanted to express condolences to his family and especially his wife and children. It's a shame that tragedies like this happen when he was giving so selflessly of himself. what a wonderful contribution to this world he was. May god watch over you all and keep you safe from further harm and tragedy.
Lauwyna Newsome
June 10, 2002
I wanted to say thank you to Dr. Diebel Jr. for delivering my first child. I can not say enough great things about you and your father. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to you and your family during this very difficult time. You will be truly missed. God bless you!
Frances Goforth
June 10, 2002
I am a friend of Frankie Easterby who daughter, Melissa Grimshaw is a friend of Michele. My condolences to the family.
Jay Mccullough
June 10, 2002
I would like to send my deepest condolences to Karen, Connor, Liam, and Nicholas.
Courtney Bot Wojnarowski
June 10, 2002
Dear Diebel Family-
I am so sorry for your great loss. I had only met Donnie a few times, but I always remembered what a nice and friendly person he was. Pete, my thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family.
Steve and Melissa Grimshaw
June 10, 2002
Our prayers are with you and your family. Don's smile will live in our hearts forever. We love you.
Joanne Grimshaw
June 10, 2002
God bless you the Diebel family, the McGuigan's and the Arnolds.
My prayers are with you all.
Joanne
Katie Meehan
June 10, 2002
I wanted to say thank you to Dr. Diebel Jr. for delivering my first child and let his father know what a compassionate man he raised. I have just begun my second child's prenatal care and had met with him a few weeks ago to start planning for delivery number two. I will miss his smile and sense of humor, I can assure you it was a major comfort in the L/D and operating rooms. He brought so many tiny, beautiful lives into this world. I am just glad I had the opportunity to be his patient.
Suzanne Jablonski
June 10, 2002
I was blessed to be able to spend Friday with Donny. He wasn't only one of my 11 bosses, but a freind and a light that shined in this office. We love him dearly and pray for his family whom he loved and adored. God Bless.
Kimberly Grindrod
June 10, 2002
My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Kimberly
RaeAnn Repaci
June 10, 2002
My thoughts and prayers to the entire Diebel family.
Ruth Wallace, RN
June 10, 2002
Donnie was one of the kindest, nicest physicians I have worked with in 25 years. He always had a smile, and never an unkind word even in the most difficult situations. He is truly one of the best, and will be remembered for many years.
Katie Stine McCarthy
June 10, 2002
Dear Dr. Diebel & Family,
I was so saddened to hear the news of your loss. Although it has been many, many years since I have seen your family, I will always have fond memories of the fun I had with Donnie, as well as Chris and Peter, while we were growing up in Winter Park. As I always knew he would, Donnie turned into a kind, caring, and successful man, and I am proud to be able to say that I knew him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Katie (Stine) McCarthy
Dale & Jay Stine
June 10, 2002
Dearest Don: Katie called us early this morning with the terrible news. We're at our summer home so although we can't be there in person, our thoughts are certainly with you and the family. Our memories of "Donnie" have come flooding back to where he lives forever...in the hearts and memories of those who knew, loved, and respected him. Please know we pray for you and yours.
Much love, Dale and Jay
Sharon Bill Gates Cathey
June 10, 2002
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers for your family are offered. You have been wonderful friends to our children: Claire, Jim, James and Nicholas. We have always enjoyed seeing Don and Karen interacting with their three wonderful boys in the family setting within which we've been privileged to be a part.
Don will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace and be celebrated as the true hero he was, stopping to help those who were in need. May God surely bless him and his memory for his family, friends, colleagues and patients, many of whom fit into more than one category.
May your faith sustain you through your shock and grief. For now, we see through the glass darkly, but one day, in the sweet by-and-by, we will see face-to-face.
Catherine Strickland
June 10, 2002
Dr. Dieble, Jr. was the most caring, thoughtful doctor I have ever know. He always treated me as I was dear friend, always asking how the family was doing and knowing each of my family members names, not many doctor's do that. Plus he always walked around the office and hospital with this wonderful smile that just lit up the room when he walked in. He was truly was a wonderful father, doctor and friend. He is truly going to be missed and my prayers go out are for his wife and children and Dr. Diebel, Sr.
Allan and Jane Clayman
June 10, 2002
We will remember Donnie with many fond memories. We extend our sympathy to his family and friends. We have all lost a valued friend who will be deeply missed.
Gail Kirk
June 10, 2002
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the whole family on this devasting tragedy. Don, Jr. had such a promising future as a physician. He will be sadly missed at ORH. My prayers are with you all to help you through this most difficult time. Gail Kirk, Medical Staff Services
Susan Raizor
June 10, 2002
He was my doctor for 7 years, I was the patient on the operating table when the 9/11 news came in, what a memorable experience to have in common! He was always happy and made you feel good and it would be okay. For the few moments he touched my life he will be sadly missed. My heart goes out to those who were fortunate to have him as a core part of their lives. How much more a beautiful soul like this will be missed from your lives! I've prayed that God will comfort us all through this tragic loss.
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