James Walter Diehm's Obituary
James (Jim) Diehm went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 8, 2024 in Onalaska, WI with his family by his side. He was 80 years old. James Walter Diehm was born on August 28, 1944 to William (Peter) and Genevieve (Ashbaugh) Diehm in Remus, Michigan. Jim became a child of God through Holy Baptism and was confirmed in his faith at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Remus. He was a 1962 graduate of Remus High School. He went on to study at Michigan State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in construction management. On June 1, 1968, Jim married the love of his life, Karen Anne Sanger. They spent their early married years in Newport, Rhode Island, where Jim served as an officer in the US Navy. Following his time in the service, Jim and Karen made their home back in Remus, Michigan, where they lived out the rest of their marriage and raised their four children. Together they ran a successful construction business where Jim used his God-given talents building and remodeling beautiful homes throughout central Michigan. One of the projects he was most proud of was the work he did remodeling St. Paul’s church. He was a faithful member of St. Paul’s, Remus throughout his entire life where he often served as elder or president of the congregation. He loved to worship with his church family, and especially loved the music of the church, singing hymns and piano and organ music. Jim had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed sailing, biking, and traveling across the United States in their 5th wheel camper. He was an avid nature lover and loved spending time on his property in Remus. Above all, he loved spending time with his dear wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as many friends and family members. Surviving are his beloved wife of 56 years, Karen Anne Diehm of Remus, MI, one son and three daughters, Brent (Rachel) Diehm of La Crosse, WI; Heather (Jon) Biedenbender of La Crosse, WI; Janelle (John) Byus of La Crosse, WI; Amy (Michael) Joley of La Crosse, WI; ten grandchildren, Noah, Ethan and Molly Diehm; James Biedenbender; Emery, Lyndon, and Synclair Byus; Gracie, Isaac, and Nicholas Joley; one sister, Joanne (David) Brownlee of Ooltewah, TN; and one brother, Thomas (Barbara) Diehm of Remus, MI, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Memorial Service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 367 W Church Street, Remus MI. Pastor Jonathan Voss will officiate. Friends may call at the church from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, September 13 and on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Quest for Breath charity associated with University of Michigan.
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