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Welcome to the memorial page for

David J. Diehl

March 14, 1937 ~ December 1, 2017 (age 80) 80 Years Old
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Message from Joan Malotka
December 8, 2017 10:19 PM

I was a member of the Tower of Power class of ‘79. Mr. Diehl was a great band director and wonderful teacher. There are so many good memories from those band years including the band’s first trip to Disney World. He will be remembered always for his dedication to the students he taught.
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Message from Beverly (Hall) LaGorga
December 6, 2017 12:24 AM

My deepest condolences to you. I was in the "Tower of Power" class of 1986. He was strict but also fun. Very dedicated, and wanted the best for all of his students. He was the best. May you rest in peace. You will be greatly missed by many, many people. Thank you for such good memories.
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A candle was lit by Beverly (Hall) LaGorga on December 6, 2017 12:10 AM
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A candle was lit by Ron & Sue Firment on December 5, 2017 10:26 PM
Message from Suzan Schimpf Mardis
December 5, 2017 10:09 PM

I am a 1978 to 1982 member of the "Tower of Power" marching band. Mr. Diehl was the epitome of a band director. He was our leader and our advisor. I truly don't remember the name of our principal in MPHS, because I answered to DJ Diehl. He devoted so much time and effort to his students and the bands. I was so inspired that I got my degree in Music Education. There will never be another DJ Diehl. I am so grateful for having his influence and leadership in my life. He will never be forgotten by his band members. Sympathy and comfort to his family and friends. Rest Position Mr. Diehl.

Message from Shelley Maida
December 5, 2017 7:55 PM

Rest In Peace Mr. Diehl. I don't think I ever respected another high school teacher as well as I respected you. You demanded our best at all times and we wanted to do our best by you. It was an honor to spend two years with you. Class of 1978
Message from Nicole (Peffer) Martin
December 5, 2017 7:36 PM

I am beyond sad to hear this news of Mr. Diehl’s passing. He was, by far the best educator I have had in my entire life. He commanded and earned respect as a teacher. He was one tough cookie packed into a little Russian-hat-wearing package. But, those of us lucky enough got to see his caring and very sweet side. I will forever be grateful to him for fostering my true love of music. I will never hear another drum beat without thinking of how he literally beat cadences into our heads! My years in the “Tower of Power” from 1987-1990 was a time I’ll forever cherish. From fun popular music to the old classics to classical pieces, he made every piece we played come alive. My hub makes fun of our Viking moniker, “Tower of Power”, but he just simply doesn’t understand how special that time was for anyone in the band under his direction. Mr. Diehl truly was the power and the heart behind the band. He made you want to strive to do your best. He was an amazing man and his family has my deepest condolences, as well as any other former Viking alum who loved him.
Message from Lisa (Ankney) Noel
December 5, 2017 7:25 PM

So sorry for your loss. He was one of my favorite teachers. God bless
Message from Laura Hollis
December 5, 2017 6:49 PM

Your family has our deepest condolences.
He was an amazing person and neighbor he will be missed deeply!
Message from Laskeys
December 5, 2017 3:33 PM

You will be remem
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A candle was lit by Lynn Davis-Matsick on December 5, 2017 10:31 AM
Traci and Hali - My deepest sympathy to you both. May his memory be eternal.
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A candle was lit by Lynn Davis-Matsick on December 5, 2017 10:29 AM
Message from Laurie Shaw
December 5, 2017 10:25 AM

As a former member of the "Tower of Power" marching band (Class of '79), Mr. Diehl will always hold a special place in my heart. He took a bunch of young kids and not only taught us, but helped us work as a group to make beautiful music. Rest in Peace Mr. Diehl! You have my deepest sympathy in your loss. He was a great person!
Message from Michele Brown Kmetz
December 5, 2017 9:34 AM

My deepest sympathy to the family. Mr. Diehl was the best! I will always hold the memories of him and the "Tower of Power" deep in my heart. They are the best times of my high school years. He was strict, but fun loving and caring. He was always there for you no matter if your problems were band or school related or personal. He truly was a great man and will be missed.
Message from Leah (Hann) Gray
December 5, 2017 9:13 AM

Former member of the Tower of Power, class is '87. I enjoyed those years under his direction and vision. So glad to have been a part of it. Thank you for the wonderful memories.
Message from Joelle (Szolek) Liller
December 5, 2017 9:09 AM

Deepest sympathies and prayers to the family. Mr. Diehl was truly an amazing person and teacher and helped make me into the person I have become. He will always hold a place in my heart.
Message from Leslie Weinstein Nemeth
December 5, 2017 8:59 AM

Mr. Diehl left an indelible imprint on my life. I am a music teacher and was a member of the MP band from 1977-81. He strove for perfection & succeeded. His loss can be felt by so many that he touched. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Message from Russ Whetzel
December 5, 2017 8:54 AM

So sorry for your loss. David touched the lives of thousands of kids during his time at Mount Pleasant High school. Very fond memories of my years learning from him.
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A candle was lit by Russ Whetzel on December 5, 2017 8:52 AM
Message from Valerie Lauffer Strong
December 5, 2017 8:27 AM

God Speed Sir! A great teacher and person. He always made me strive for the best within!!! I have such proud memories from "The Tower of Power". Thank you Mr. Diehl! My deepest condolences for the family he leaves behind...but he missed his wife so much, every time I would see him...he would speak of her so fondly...I know he is happily joined with her now in heaven.
Message from Lorie McTavish
December 5, 2017 7:50 AM

I just want to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. Mr. Diehl will always be remembered in our hearts as a former members of the Tower of Power. I recently had the pleasure of getting to see and talk with him this year at a Viking game. Prayers are with you...
Message from Amy Huber
December 5, 2017 1:24 AM

I was in the "Tower of Power" marching band! (Class of 83)! He was a great man! Great times and lots of fun memories!
Deepest sympathies to the family! So sorry for your loss!
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