Gerald Diehm

It’s easy to see why Jake Diehm was well liked by many. He lived life with honorable integrity, forthright honesty, and with a genuine heart. Although talented in many respects, he was a simple man who found joy in the little things in life, and for which he will be fondly remembered.

Born on August 8, 1918 in the small farming community of Riley Township, just north of DeWitt, Michigan, Gerald “Jake” and his twin sister Geraldine were a welcome addition in the lives of their parents, Herman and Lucille(Plowman) Diehm. The youngest of four children, the year of their birth was a significant time in our nation’s history. The end of World War I shortly after Jake’s birth was a welcome relief for many, but cause for great concern was the Spanish flu pandemic which reached epidemic proportions. American baseball was fast becoming the favorite pastime of all, figure skating gained popularity, and Tarzan opened on Broadway to the delight of moviegoers everywhere.

Far removed from the chaos of the big cities, Jake grew up on the family farm where he was no stranger to hard work. It was quite evident even from an early age that farming was in his blood and he learned the ways of farm life firsthand. Even so, Jake shared memorable childhood adventures on the farm all while attending the local schools. During this time the era of the Great Depression swept across the nation which caused great hardship for many. Unlike many young people during this time, Jake was able to continue his education and went on to graduate from Rodney B. Wilson High School in nearby St. Johns.

Before long Jake entered a new phase in his life when he married a hometown girl named Irene Nunemaker. The two exchanged vows of marriage in Lansing, Michigan on August 31, 1940 during the height of the World War II. Soon blessed with the birth of their son, Arkie brought Jake and Irene much joy. Named after a country music radio host, Jake was proud to have his son by his side. He supported his family as a farmer on rented farm land until the land owner decided to sell the property.

Thinking it was perhaps time for a change, Jake soon began working in an area shop. For a time he worked at Saylor-Beall, an air compressor manufacturer, before moving on to Federal Mogul, an automotive supplier. He remained there for more than 25 years. Always the hard worker, Jake was dedicated in his work where his integrity shone brightly. During this time Jake moved his family to St. Johns. There they purchased a little white house on Traver Street, and it remained Jake’s beloved home for more than 60 years of his life.

As a man with strong convictions and moral character, Jake and his family were devout in their faith. In fact, he was even instrumental in helping build the DeWitt Community Church, their church home where they faithfully attended for many years. Jake enjoyed working with his hands which no doubt was instilled in him in his earlier years. He loved woodworking, often making clocks and footstools, which remain cherished treasures to his family.

With a daughter-in-law to love, Jake treated Arkie’s wife, Darlene, as if she were his own. Always welcome in their home, Jake and Irene often made visits to Wisconsin where they enjoyed spending time with Arkie and Darlene, and of course, their grandchildren. Whenever they visited, however, Jake found plenty to do. His mind was always working and when they visited them in Wisconsin, Jake would find all sorts of projects for Arkie to do around the house!

Jake also had a love for music. He often tried to encourage his grandchildren to play instruments, because he himself was musically inclined. He loved playing the guitar, and he fiddled as well. In his later years, he took up the organ.

Thoughtful and considerate, Jake genuinely cared about others. He enjoyed shoveling snow for all his neighbors which was truly appreciated and a welcome relief. While enjoying the simple things in life, Jake was more of a thinker than a talker. He was a friend to many. An extremely honest man, his work ethic along with his forthright demeanor earned him the respect of all those in the area. After experiencing the death of his beloved Irene in November of 1999, Jake had a very difficult time. Through the help of his loving family and caring friends, he made it through this trying time in his life. A regular for every morning breakfast at the Wheel Inn Restaurant, he eventually enjoyed the offerings at the Big Boy Restaurant in St. Johns.

Having lived a long and full life enjoying the simple pleasures that came his way, Gerald L. “Jake” Diehm died on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at the age of 92. Well liked by many, he lived with integrity and honesty whose genuine heart will never be forgotten. Jake Diehm will be sadly missed and fondly remembered in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Surviving is his son, Arkie (Darlene) Diehm of Barneveld, WI; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Stuart Diehm of Lansing. Besides his wife, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert Diehm and his twin sister, Geraldine Miller.

Funeral Services for Jake will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns with Pastor Kathy Leydorf officiating. Burial to follow at the Dewitt Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4-8 PM on Tuesday and from 10-11 AM prior to the service on Wednesday. Contributions may be made in Gerald’s memory to the American Cancer Society or Northpointe Community Church. To learn more about Gerald, submit a memory or photo or to sign his online guest book, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.