Wednesday, November 8, 2017
WHITE PIGEON --Joel Alan Diehl, 63, former resident of Shipshewana, IN, died Saturday, Oct. 28, at his home in White Pigeon, MI.
He was born July 11, 1954, in Decatur, IN, to Brice G. Diehl and June I. (Ward) Diehl.
He married Theresa (Leonard, Wooten) Diehl June 6, 2015, in Shipshewana,IN.
Surviving are his wife, Theresa, White Pigeon, MI; his children from previous marriage to Jacquelyn (Ewers) Diehl, son, Jonathan Diehl, Goshen, IN daughters, Juli (Diehl) Pletcher [Thomas], Goshen, IN, and Jennifer (Diehl) Fervida [Taylor], Elkhart, IN, brothers Lon [Louise] Diehl, TX, Timothy [Debbie] Diehl, MA, Lee Diehl, VA, and sister, Rebecca (Diehl) Reese [Daniel], WA, five granddaughters, Jamie Tarmen (16), Ariella Pletcher (8), Charlotte Pletcher (3), Victorianna Pletcher (1), Lilly Fervida (due January 2018), step daughter Lydia Wooten, Wayland, MI, four step grandchildren Blake Bouwman, Shelby Roblyer, Montana Roblyer, and Rollan Weber, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Brice and June Diehl, sisters, Phyllis and Thelma, and son, James Alan Diehl.
Joel served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked as a locksmith for over 40 years and became an expert fisherman on his off time. He most recently worked as a maintenance manager for Mishler Meats in Lagrange, IN. retiring in August 2017. He was a member of the Elijah's Fire International Church of Elkhart, IN.
He generously loved his wife, children and grandchildren and friends, but most of all he loved Jesus with all his heart. His passion and mission in life has been building God's kingdom. He loved people and enjoyed teaching others his knowledge about Jesus and life. Joel has left an astonishing legacy to the rest of us here on earth. He will be missed by many.
Celebration of Life Service for Joel will be from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Grace Community Church, 20076 Co Rd 36, Goshen, where a ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Pastor Randy Marshall and Pastor Jack Smith will officiate.
