Donald F. Diekmann

Donald F. Diekmann entered into eternal glory on September 11, 2026 at his home in Evansville, Indiana. A life-long resident of Evansville, Don was born on August 3, 1929 to Fred and Huldah Diekmann. He was baptized into Christ at Trinity Lutheran Church in Evansville on August 11, 1929. After attending Trinity Lutheran School through eighth grade, Don graduated from Central High School in 1947.

Always involved in church activities, he met the love of his life, Phyllis Hoelzel, on a Walther League (youth group) swimming trip when he was 19, and she was 17.

As one of the drivers, Don made sure Phyllis rode in his car. They were engaged shortly before he went off to serve in the U.S. Army from 1951-53 while stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. There he served as an administrative assistant to General Charles Bolte, who commanded the U.S. Seventh Army in Europe. General Bolte noticed that Don received a letter from His fiancé every day, and told him, "You take care of that wonderful lady." He encouraged Don to bring Phyllis to Germany to get married and continue his military career, but he thought of nothing other than returning home to begin life with her.

Don and Phyllis were married at Trinity on May 9, 1953, living a life of devotion to their Savior Jesus Christ, to each other, and to their children, Gary and Carolyn.

Don served in many capacities throughout his life, including Congregation Service Assistant for the Indiana District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Zone President of the Lutheran Layman's League, Board of Directors for Luther Village, Treasurer of the Lutheran Foundation of Evansville, Secretary of the Evansville Lutheran School Foundation, and the Lutherans for Habitat Board of Directors.

After attending Evansville College, he was employed for 33 years at Small & Schelosky Company as general sales and marketing manager, then at Lensing Wholesale as director of sales and marketing in the floor covering division until his retirement.

Don and Phyllis loved traveling with their children to visit Phyllis' family in the Kansas City, Missouri area, and other vacations throughout the U.S. After retirement they enjoyed several overseas trips, as well as spending winter months in Punta Gorda, FL. Don was an active member of Trinity, and then St. Paul's Lutheran Church, teaching and attending Bible classes, and organizing trips for the seniors fellowship group with Phyllis. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Lutheran Community Center. Don did indeed "take care of that wonderful lady" through just shy of 73 years of marriage until her death on March 9, 2026.

Don is survived by his daughter, Carolyn (Rev. Richard) Woelmer of Bloomington, IN; grandsons, Paul (Jamie) Woelmer of Johnston, RI, and Philip Woelmer of Chicago, IL; daughter-in-law, Julie Diekmann of Evansville; grandchildren, Adam Diekmann of Evansville, Sarah (Frank) Coleman of Evansville, and Andrew (Alex) Diekmann of Indianapolis; great-granddaughters, Penelope and Stevie Diekmann, Phoebe Woelmer, and step great-grandchildren, Isaac, Titus, and Evie Coleman.

Also sisters-in-law, Dr. Grace Albano of Lee's Summit, MO, Kathleen (Rev. Dr. Thomas) Trapp of Bloomington, MN; brother-in-law, Dr. Juan Nosti of Mission Hills, KS; nieces and nephews, Christy Albano, Sarah (Jennings) Albano Goodman, Dr. John (Peggy) Nosti, Dr. Andrew (Courtney) Nosti, Dr. Patrick (Hanae) Nosti, Elizabeth (Mark) Nosti Kettlewell, Matthew Trapp, JoAnna (Zach) Trapp Simpson, and Daniel Trapp.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Huldah; son, Gary; brother-in-law, Michael Albano; sister-in-law, Nancy Nosti; and his beloved wife of 72 years, Phyllis.

Visitation will be at Alexander Funeral Home East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Ave., Evansville from 3:00 - 7:00 pm on Sunday, September 20, and at St, Paul's Lutheran Church, 100 E. Michigan St. on Monday September 21 from 10:00 am until the service at 11:00 am. Rev. Case Farney and Rev. Chad Eckels will officiate. Committal will follow at Lutheran Cemetery on St. Joseph Ave.

Memorial contributions may be made to Evansville Lutheran School Foundation, 111 E. Virginia St., Evansville Lutheran School, 120 E. Michigan St., or St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 100 E. Michigan St.

Condolences may be made at www.Alexander East Chapel.com