Wallace Edwin Diede

Wally was born on November 6, 1939 in Richardton, North Dakota to Adolf and Matilda Diede. He graduated from Hebron North Dakota High School in May 1959 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on July 15, 1959. He proudly served our country until Honorably discharged on July 12, 1963. While attending the University of Montana, he met and married Sharon Jones-Diede in 1967 and had two children, Doug Diede and Lori Diede-Ladd.

Wally had a great passion for sports officiating of Baseball, Basketball, Football and Softball. He started as a sports official at the age of 20 while serving in the military. He respectfully tried to resign, from his hospital bed from USSSA Fastpitch Western Slope Director and Umpire in Chief, but was told his resignation was kindly not accepted as, “How could they find a replacement?”. He loved to work with kids just starting out in sports as he could teach them as he officiated their games. Wally just recently won the 2020 Veteran of the Year from the Colorado High School Umpire Association. He was also passionate about the Lion’s Club and very proud of the Anne Sullivan Award for outstanding dedicated service for collecting used eye-glasses to be sent to third world countries. He cherished and loved his family and made sure we knew it! He loved God and our Country and saluted his flag outside his front door every time he walked past.

Wally was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother Darwin. He is survived by his ex-wife Sharon, (they remained good friends through the years), sister Doreen, sister-in-law Betty, son Doug (Kacey), grandson Tanner, daughter Lori (Chris), granddaughter Lauren and grandson Jaxson along with nephews, a niece and a large extended family all of whom he was always “so very proud” of. He is also survived by many great friends including David Mejia, Russ Bergquist and Larry Neth.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Lincoln Park Barn in Grand Junction on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 1:00 PM. Wally has requested that sports officials attending wear an officiating uniform of choice. A family only private burial will take place at the Veteran’s Cemetery.

Donations in Wally’s name to the Redlands Lion’s Club, USSSA Sports or the VA Hospital, all of which Wally was proud to be a part of, and may be mailed to 632 Gallegos Street, Erie, CO 80516.