Harlan John Diehl

Harlan John Diehl, 96, born June 27th, 1919 in Freeport, IL passed away peacefully on November 7th, 2015. Harlan will be joining his beloved wife, Vola Mae Diehl, married for 67years, as well as his son Stuart George Diehl (10/11/2015). He was survived by an additional son Gregory Dennis Diehl, two daughter-in-laws, seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Many did not know that Harlan was an accomplished scholar athlete and musician as a young man. He is more recognized as a Navy veteran, a world traveler, an accomplished hunter/fisherman, and a successful local business owner. After serving his country in WWII, Harlan started and operated Diehl Refrigeration Company from 1946 until it was acquired in 1972. He later returned to the refrigeration business owned by his son and worked until he was 80 years old. Upon his final retirement he continued to support Budweiser’s profitability by frequently enjoying his favorite frosty beverage.

Harlan enjoyed fishing down in Baja Mexico and in his later years, spending summers on the Alaskan Kenai Peninsula catching salmon and halibut until he was 94 years young! Harlan had the most infectious laugh and was the best of storytellers. But most of all, Harlan’s family and friends always remember and deeply miss his wonderful SMILE!

A visitation for Harlan will be held Thursday, November 12, 2015 from 6-8pm at West Resthaven Funeral Home; 6450 W. Northern Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301. A funeral service will be the following day Friday, November 13, 2015 also at West Resthaven Funeral Home at 10:00am. Interment will follow at Resthaven Park Cemetery. To leave condolences for Harlan’s family, please visit www.westresthavenfuneralhome.com.