Richard J. Diehm

Richard J. "Dick" Diehm, 85, of Kutztown, died Wednesday, September 6, 2023, in Saint Luke's University Hospital - Allentown Campus. He was the loving husband of Mary M. (Zettlemoyer) Diehm. They were married on November 24, 1989. Born in Kenhorst, he was a son of the late William C., II, and Minerva (Decker) Diehm. Dick honorably and faithfully served our country as a veteran of the United States Navy. Richard was a graduate of Reading High School, and attended Penn State University, Berks and Harrisburg campuses. Richard was employed as the Code Enforcement Officer for the Borough of Kutztown, for many years until his retirement in 2008. He also worked many years for the Kutztown Folk Festival, working each year providing traffic direction to motorists until 2022. Dick was a huge fan of Penn State athletics; served as Captain of Kutztown Fire Company Fire Police; and was a former member of Kutztown Fire Company House Committee; a Penn State Alumni Association member; and as a train enthusiast, a member of South Eastern Pennsylvania Garden Railway Society (SEPGRS). In addition to his wife of nearly 34 years, Mary, Dick is survived by sons: John Diehm and his wife Amy, Blandon; and James Diehm and his wife Kassandra, Pataskla, OH; stepchildren: Laura A. Merkel, Kutztown; and Gregory A. Merkel, Norfolk, VA. There are five grandchildren: Samantha Diehm; Ashley Diehm; Gavin Diehm; Seth Diehm; and Caleb Diehm. There is also a brother, William C. Diehm, III, and his wife Virginia, of Hollywood, MD. In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by a stillborn sister, Judith Ann Diehm, who died in 1932. Services for Dick will be private at the convenience of the family. There are no public viewing or calling hours. Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.