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Frederick Leroy Diehl, Sr., 82, of Kannapolis, NC passed away on Tuesday September 2, 2014 at his home with his wife of 60 years, Marion Sherman Diehl, and all of his family members lovingly by his side. “Big Fred” was born in Battle Creek, Michigan April 2, 1932 to the late Albena and Rev. Percy Diehl. Fred proudly joined the United States Navy at 17 years old and served during the Korean War.
As a young adult Fred worked farming and cherry picking and after his time in the Navy, Fred worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for 32 years in Connecticut for the City of Milford. Fred and “The Wife” retired to North Carolina to be with All of his family, even the pets.
He enjoyed fishing, softball, duckpin bowling, playing cards, and many family picnics and gatherings. Fred enjoyed many years of playing his fathers guitar and singing “You Are My Sunshine” to his wife, and “Cotton Fields” to entertain us all.
We will all miss his humor and his Baby Blue Eyes which shined in the daylight as he was leaving his home. The great grandchildren honored him with a beautiful balloon release into heaven with our Lord and Savior. He always wanted two of everything so right to the end God gave him two rides into the gates of Heaven. “Some Day We Will All Be Together Singing Again… Love & Kisses”
In addition to his wife, Fred is survied by two daughters, Sharon Cartier and husband Jack of NC, and Marilyn Berube and husband Mick of NC; a son, Freddy Diehl and wife Lori of NC; five grandchildren, Shelly and husband Beau, John II and wife Tiffany, Kimberly and husband Shane, Kelsey Diehl, and Krystal Diehl; and four great grandchildren, Ava, Emily, Jocelyn, and Shylah.
Carolina Cremation of Salisbury and Charlotte is serving the Diehl family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Marilyn Berube says
I will forever miss my daddy and all his laughter, joy, love and giving from his heart. I have so many memories to carry with me as I live out my life without him but I thank God for such a wonderful man that my mom married and I thank you Dad for the gift of life..You were the best father EVER and grandfather. May you now rest in peace forever..oxoxoxoxoxoxo Your loving daughter Marilyn.
Shelly Beauvais says
Gramp.. I will not be sorrowful. I will do my best to remember the 35 great years of you in my life and not the last 6 months. I hope you liked your send off. 🙂 love you always. XO
Kristine Loomis says
I’m sorry for your loss here on earth, but I celebrate that Grampa lived a long and full life! You all gave him so much joy right to the end, and it know he is with each and everyone of you, every minute. Love to everyone, I wish I could be closer.
Mike Elliott says
My heart and prayers to all of you. May God ease your pain and comfort you all in your time of loss. I know the pain in your hearts having lost my Dad 3 years ago just 6 days before Christmas. I can tell you God does ease your hurt and time does help but the the longing to see someone again that is so loved remains. Keep him in your stories to friends and family and he will be here. Keep him in your hearts and he will never be forgotten. God Bless You All
Doreen Petruzziello says
My thought and prays are with all your family,fred was an awesome man, i knew him as a kid as well into my adult life, he always made me feel like part of the family,i will miss him,i know the loss you are feeling after losing my brother it is hard but the love we have in our hearts always help. god bless you and all the family ..love Doreen
Dana & Tracie Deverlie says
My thought and prays goes out to my neighbor Fred and his family. I enjoyed my time messing with Fred when he cross the road in his four wheel version of his Cadillac. It was always a pleasure to shake his hand and have a short conversation with Fred. He will be sorely miss. GOD Bless!
fred diehl jr says
To my worlds greatest dad I will cherish and hold dear to my hart all the days of our lives now and forever.
Although it was frightening to see such a great man prepare him self for his journey to heaven I will not regret being there for your day. Dad
I will remember your voice every time I hear the sound of the folk guitar.
I only hope to see you when we can again cast our lines in to the seas like we did on old plat street.
Dad who knows maybe ill be able to play gramps guitar one day and then we will sing together just like the good old days.
Thank God for such a great man and father.
With all my love your son Fred
oxxxoox
{Jesus saves}
Jesus Saves
Howard White says
While I only knew Fred, Papa D, for 8 years, his openness, kindness, wit, humor, and guiding wisdom touched broadened my life beyond my wildest dreams. He was more than a fellow veteran or friend but more like a fatherly roll model for all to learn from. His stories of growing up, his Naval stories, both militarily and the fun times will forever be cherished. I consider it both an honor and privilege to have known Papa D and to have been accepted as a member of the Diehl family. In my many and far reaching travels with The Air Force there have only been a few people who have left such a positive impact on my life. Big Fred, I am proud to say is one of those individuals, a rare type who when encountered leaves your life all the richer. I wish there were a simple utterance or act I could do to somehow lessen the pain and grief felt by the entire Diehl family. I pray the Lord will bless and keep them now and as they move forward in life safe in the knowledge that a special angel is watching over them all. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, MY MENTOR
Howard, Rose and Kasandra White
fred cogan says
My deepest condolences to the Diehl family fred was a great friend…we had great times in milford ct… fred. mary .and the boys. Are prayers are with you in your time of sorrow..
Krystal Diehl says
I know I’m very late on this but better late than never….
Tuesday September 2nd at 12:40 a.m., God took the most amazing father, grandfather and great-grandfather any family could have. I’m so glad that he was my grampa. He was such a dedicated man and he loved his family. He was granted 82 beautiful years on Earth and spent 60 of those years with his loving wife, my gramma. He served in the Navy, during the Korean War, and had three awesome children: my dad and two loving aunts. I know for sure he lived a very eventful life and that he couldn’t have asked for more. He fortunately lived to see his great-grandchildren, which not a lot of grandparents get to witness. He was such a blessing to this family and I’m going to miss him more than words will ever be able to describe. Thanks for teaching me all those amazing values Gramps. No matter what the situation, you always managed to make us smile and you always brought laughter. Even to those you didn’t know. I’ll always cherish those wonderful times me and Kelsey got to spend with you and gramma. From going out to eat or just hanging around and talking for hours. You loved you’re food, so thanks for passing that trait down. Now you get to enjoy all the donuts you want, and share them with Nonnie. You are going to be missed greatly and it’s sad that you had to leave us. I can’t wait for the day we get to meet again at the gates of heaven. I know God is going to take great care of you. I just know it