Donald Diederich

Donald John Diederich Jr., 73, of Stevensville, MI., passed away Friday, August 10, 2018 at his home.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Fr. Arul Lazar officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 3:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Monday, August 13, 2018 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Berrien County Cancer Service or ALS Foundation. Those wishing to share a memory of Don online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com  Don was born December 16, 1944 in Benton Harbor, MI to Donald & Florence (Bielinski) Diederich Sr. He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1963 and then attended Western Michigan University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree. Don Served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 until 1969 and was a life member of the Marine Corp League, associated with the former South Suburban Chicago Detachment. On January 30, 1971 he married Cynthia Ciesiolka at St. Joseph Catholic Church where they are members. Don retired from Berrien County as Building and Grounds Superintendent in 2001. Don was a wonderful man with a huge heart, and would go out of his way to help anyone. He had a great love for his family and was loved by his family in return. Don enjoyed hosting family reunions and looked forward to all family gatherings. He was an avid Notre Dame Fan and loved being outside with his sunflowers and enjoyed mowing his lawn, he called it his “quiet time”. Don was also well known for his Christmas and Halloween Decorations and there were never any strangers in his life, he could talk to anyone. He was loved by his entire family and will be missed by all.  Don is survived by his wife Cynthia Diederich; daughter Milissa Murray; two grandchildren Jenna and Sean; sister Barbara (Edward) Eberhardt Sr.; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; many aunts and uncles; many nieces and nephews; and God children; Don was preceded in death by is parents.