Gary L. Diem

Gary L. Diem

October 28, 1962 – August 11, 2020

   Gary Lee Diem was a fighter, courageously persevering time and time again, and overcoming many health obstacles throughout his life.  He lost his battle to cancer on the morning of August 11, 2020 at his Kingman, Arizona home in the company of his loving family.  Gary faced his death with strength and joy at the thought of meeting Jesus and being reunited with his father, family, and friends.

   He was born in Bowling Green, Ohio on October 28, 1962 to Richard and Sandra (Cunningham) Diem.  He married the love of his life, Kathie (Gottschalk) on September 30, 1983.  The two were childhood sweethearts, both growing up in Deshler, Ohio.  Gary always said the first time he saw Kathie he turned to his best friend and said, “I’m going to marry her one day.”

   Gary was an integral part of his community, both in Kingman, Arizona and in Deshler, Ohio.  He was a local business owner, operating Gary’s Deshler Station and also was a carpenter.  Gary was a valued member of both Immanuel Lutheran Church in Deshler, Ohio and Journey Church in Kingman, Arizona where he was proud to have helped construct the worship stage.  He cherished his relationship with Jesus and strived his best to live by His Word.  He was an active father and devoted his life to his family.  At his home he loved spending time in his kitchen, making delicious meals for his family and friends.  He was known by all who loved him for his famous pizza and holiday meals.

   Gary was well known on the baseball sidelines for his gregarious personality and wit.  His motorcycle, slingshot, and quads, along with a good card game were his preferred ways to relax.  Gary also loved to support his children, especially in their sports and dance.  He passionately coached his kids to succeed both on and off the field.

   Gary was predeceased by his father, Richard, his aunts, Judy Wink and Linda Wilhelm, step-father, Paul Bowers, and his children Lucas, Logan, and J.L.  He is survived by Kathie, his wife of 37 years, his children Tiffany and her husband Phillip, Whitney, Tessa, and Garrett, his mother, Sandra, brothers Craig (Lori) Diem and Tim (Janese) Diem, and his sister Terri (Mike) Hebert.

   A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2020 at the Deshler American Legion.  A service will begin at 1:00 p.m. and the family will continue to greet family and friends until 4:00 p.m.

   Donations can be made to Journey Church of Kingman in his memory. To make a donation please follow the link below and choose a Benevolence when asked to select a fund. https://secure.subsplash.com/ui/access/KZRN97#/

   The Diem family would like to thank everyone for their loving support during the many turbulent times in Gary’s life.  He had an army of helping hands and was the recipient of countless prayers.  A special thanks to Kingman Hospice and to all the family and friends who helped support the family during Gary’s last months.

Should you go first and I remain,

to walk the road alone,

I'll live in memories garden, dear,

with happy days we've known.

In spring I'll wait for roses red,

when faded the lilacs blue.

In early fall when brown leaves fall

I'll catch a glimpse of you.

Should you go first and I remain,

for battles to be fought,

Each thing you've touched along the

way will be a hallowed spot.

I'll hear your voice, I'll see your

smile though blindly I may grope

The memory of your helping hand

will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain,

One thing I’ll have you do:

Walk lowly down that long long

path, for soon I’ll follow you.

I want to know each step you take,

So I may take the same.

For someday down that lonely road,

You’ll hear me call you name.

   The family is being assisted by Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler and condolences and messages can be shared at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com.

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