Donald Lester "Chief" Diem

Donald Lester Diem, “Chief,” age 88 of Warren, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2020 at Ascension St. John Hospital in Warren. He was born March 27, 1932 in Reading, Pennsylvania, son of the late Harry and the late Jenny Rebecca Diem.

With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to the Chief for his service to our country during the Korean War era. As a soldier in the U.S. Army, Donald attained the rank of Corporal and served from August of 1951 thru August of 1954. Uncle Sam found Donald at the young age of 19, placed him in a uniform, and his patriotism swelled as it never had before,…at the simple thought of being a part of America’s armed forces. For the sacrifices made and his willingness to stand in harm’s way for freedom’s sake, we honor Donald’s service and extend our posthumous gratitude for answering his call to duty with pride in our country and flag.

In telling the story of someone’s life, this scribe often relies on the family’s help to formulate something meaningful. Yet whatever my mind and fingers could possibly produce, there is nothing that can speak more succinctly than the words of a loved one,…and so I give you the words of Donald’s son, Jon.

A Man’s Best Friend

On August 22, 2020, we lost a great father, friend, husband, grandfather, uncle, neighbor, and co-worker.

Donald Lester Diem of Warren, Michigan, passed away at the age of 88, a distinguished Veteran of the United States Army.

Donald was a great manwho lived a long life. He loved his family, his job (whatever it may be), building puzzles, as well as model cars and model guns. He loved music (both singing and listening), trains, cooking, carpentry, and especially attending the grandkids’ sporting events and theater performances. Donald was a Jack of all Trades and Master of Many who will be missed by his family and all who knew him.

Donald was also a huge lover of dogs. Not just any dog, but the Underdog,…the Mutts. His first dog was one he rescued out of the alleys of Detroit. He fed the dog every day until finally bringing him home to his family. He cared for that dog until he died, concluding with a full casketed burial. That was Donald…vowing that he found the dog in the gutter and would never put him back there.

At work they called him “The Chief,”…at home, just Dad. He was a man of few words and typically quiet by nature. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need, or a family member requiring his assistance. A wonderfully warm & welcoming smile or a simple “How Ya Doing, Friend” couldn’t help but to put a smile on the countless faces of all who met Donald.

Donald joins his loving wife and “leader,” Mildred, his oldest daughter, Sandra, and three of his dogs who’ve been awaiting him in Heaven.

Donald is survived by his children, Roseanne (Thomas) Martin, Deborah Diem, Donald Diem, Thomas (Michelle) Diem, and Jon (Michelle) Diem. He is the devoted Papa to eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Due to the effects of the pandemic, arrangements have been relegated to a private family burial which will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcomed to the Michigan Humane Society, 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, Michigan 48025, or at www.michiganhumane.org,... or simply go out and do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for an underdog’s soul in Donald’s name.

Dad, we all love you, rest in peace, dance with Mom and Sandy, play with those dogs,…and “Hail to the Chief!”