Nov 15, 2000, page 7A column 2

David Lee Diekhoff was born to Martin Paul Diekhoff and Betty Jo Strauss Diekhoff Fulton on April 15, 1952, at Denver, Colo. He passed away on Nov 3, 2000 at the Fillmore County Hospital in Geneva, at the age of 48 years, 6 mons and 18 days. He was one of two children in the family.

David was baptized in Ohiowa by his grandfather the Rev Herman Diekhoff, as an infant in 1952. He was confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Denver. He became a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Geneva in 1997. David was born and raised in Dever, graduating from Denver North High School in 1970. He attended college at Ames College in Greeley, Colo. He was employed at Jefferson County School in colorado as a landscaper and later joined the United States Army. He served in the United States and in Germany and Saudi Arabia. He proudly served his country for eight years and was Honorably Cischarged on July 13, 1989. His military status upon discharge was a Specialist Four Staff Sergeant [sic].

Following his discharge he resumed his employment as a landscaper and in 1990 returned to Geneva. He was employed at several area businesses. In 1994 he moved to Kansas while attending college. A severe accident let to an early retirement in 1996. Dave was married to Chirstine Irene Saatmann of Geneva on Feb 14, 1997. They resided in Geneva and Wester and in June of this year purchased a home in Milligan.

He enjoyed his leisure time by spending time with his pets. He enjoyed the time he spent playing, walking and just being with his dogs. His daily routine began feeding his dogs and filling his many bird feeders in his yard. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending their school programs and sporting events. He was always baking cookies for them to enjoy after school. He also looked forward to hearing from his brother, Paul.

He was preceded in death by his father, martin Diekhoff, and his grandparents.

He is survived by his wife, Christine I. Diekhoff of Milligan; mother and step-father, Betty and Vaughn Fulton of Geneva; stepson, Tim and wife, Denise Saatmann of Fairbury; step-daughter, Ynonne Steinacher and Doug Kotas of Milligan; brother, Paul and wife, Peggy Diekhoff of Broomfield, Colo; step-sisters Nicki Widler and Terry Arnold; eight grandchildren, Brian and Krystal Steinacher and T. J. and Brittni Kotas, all of Milligan, Andrew and Samantha Saatmann and Cory and Craig Nutsch, all of Fairbury.

Funeral services were conducted from the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Geneva on Tuesday, Nov 7, 2000, with Rev Michae Osberg officiating. Nancy Cradduc accompanied by Gaylord Cradduck who sang " How Great thou Art," and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and the congregation sang "Beautiful Savior" and "Amazing Grace."

Casket bearers were Tom Kamler, Robert Braden, Martin Saatmann, Henry Orf, Leroy Minzel and Charles Picard.

Interment was in the geneva Public Cemetery with Farmer and Son Funeral Home of Geneva in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are directed to the family.