Gregory Dennis Diehl, 79, was born in Freeport, Illinois on September 22, 1938 to the late Harlan and Vola Diehl; he hit the ground running and never stopped until April 11, 2018 when he passed away peacefully. The Diehl family moved to Arizona when Greg was 2 years old due to his asthma. As a child he had the discipline to maintain a paper route while also playing sports such as baseball and football. He graduated Sunnyslope High School in 1956, and continued his college business education for two years, before changing directions by entering the Local 469 apprenticeship program for refrigeration. He excelled to Master Journeyman while working in his father’s business (Diehl Refrigeration and Equipment).
After the sale of his father’s business, in 1974 Greg started Diehl Equipment Company, Inc. a commercial refrigeration business with longtime friend Herman Kosin. This company grew into the largest business of it’s type in the Southwest with over 200 employees by the year 2000. And yes, eventually one of the favored employees at this company was in fact, his father, Harlan Diehl. Greg developed many special lifelong relationships with his business associates and employees. Even though hard working, he ALWAYS found time for family outings for activities such as (Jeeping, power boating, water skiing, mini bikes/motorcycles, off road racing, sailing, camping, hunting, fishing, traveling, sports coaching, horseback riding, nostalgic car collecting, the list could go on and on). The memories created during these adventures (and make no mistake, they were indeed adventures!) get to live on with family, friends, and everyone who shares “A Typical Diehl story”. Greg got introduced to off-road racing in the early 80’s and became a serious competitor, winning many prestigious races including the Baja 1000. Family and friends were always part of the pit crews, chase teams, and pre-run adventures creating enough stories and memories to last more than a lifetime. This hobby remained a big part of Greg’s life as he eventually left the driver’s seat to be the pit crew/support team for his grandkids.
Horseback riding and packing in to Arizona back country with friends and family was another great joy for Greg. He was grateful to be a member of the Glendale Desert Riders and valued their friendship tremendously. Another one of Greg’s passion was big game hunting with his sons and friends. Even at almost 80 years young, he was very excited to have been drawn for an Elk tag and had numerous hunts already planned this year to help others. Age was simply a number for a man who had lived more than enough lifetimes for one person and was not going to slow him down.
Upon retiring, a longtime friend took Greg and Harlan up to Alaska fishing for salmon. They enjoyed it so much that from that time forward they spent every summer in Alaska, even to the point of building his own river front fishing cabin filled with all the boats and supplies needed for first class summer fishing. As always with Greg, he welcomed friends and family to share in his Alaskan adventures. He kept everyone so busy while there you often needed a few days of recovery upon returning home. He also cherished the many good friends he made in Alaska and looked forward to seeing them every summer.
So what else can be said about a man who seemed to enjoy everything life had to offer him and who enjoyed every second he was able to spend with friends and family. He had a tremendous amount of selflessness. Yes….he was “that guy”!!!!! He was the guy you always called upon if you were stuck or broke down and without a second thought he was on his way to help you. Greg was, without a doubt, one of the good guys. He was a wonderful, loving, hard-working, and caring man! His family felt very fortunate and grateful to have him as their family Patriarch! He will be missed beyond what words can convey!
Greg was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Stuart Diehl. Greg is survived by his wife Gemmie R Diehl and four children: Timothy Greg Diehl and Wendy Michele Smith (Terry) with their mother Lynda, Gregory James Person (Helen): Bradford Ray Person (Mercedes); six grandchildren: Ashley (Dustin), Madison, Corbin, Jacob (Michelle), Krista, Kyle; and 2 great-grandchildren Annabelle and Wyatt.
The Memorial Services will be held at West Resthaven 6450 W. Northern Ave., Glendale AZ 85301 at 10 am Saturday morning on the 21st of April.
There are definitely to many stories to be told here about him. If you knew Greg, you were touched by him in some way and no doubt have a story of your own. Please take the time to share them with us on Saturday April 21st at a reception following the service.
You may also use the link: www.dignitymemorial.com and search for Greg Diehl.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Salvation Army or other valued charitable cause!
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