Dean B. Diederich

Dean B. Diederich, aged 89, of Greenleaf, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, at the Hanover Hospital in Hanover, Kansas.

A rosary service honoring Dean will be held on Saturday, December 21, at 9:30 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in Hanover, followed by a visitation until the funeral service, which begins at 11:00 a.m. Later that day, a graveside committal service will take place at 3:00 p.m. at St. Michael's (Kimeo) Catholic Cemetery in Kimeo.

On March 8, 1935, Dean was born near Greenleaf on the family farm, that would lay claim to a large part of his heart. The oldest of Ben and Vivian‘s 10 children, he would fill the role as an anchor for many. He began his high school education at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and later transferred to Maur Hill in Atchison, Kansas, graduating from Benedictine College in 1957. Following his graduation, Dean proudly served in the U.S. Navy, attending Navy (OCS) Officer Candidate School at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island.

On July 21, 1958, Dean married Mary Ellen Curran at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Albion, Nebraska. The couple welcomed their first two of ten children while Dean served in Ferndale, California, and Coos Bay, Oregon. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, they returned to the family farm, where Dean wholeheartedly adopted Saint Benedict’s motto of “work hard, pray hard".  He is remembered for his numerous hay rack/tractor rides and his affectionate send off-line "watch your business".

Dean modeled a life example of making his faith a priority, with farming providing ample opportunities to rely on that faith. His daily devotion to the rosary would become a practice that brought him peace when it could no longer be found elsewhere. Dean‘s enjoyment of a good-natured, verbal sparring session filled the space of a hobby. His pure tenor singing voice was a treat to hear, and he had an affinity for the musical arts. Dean was a true gentleman, who exemplified humility and lived sacrificial generosity.

A devoted member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Dean served on several boards, including the Coop, Washington County Airport Board, and Citizens National Bank board.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brian Diederich; parents, Ben and Vivian; sister, Colette Huerter; and brother, Denny Diederich.

Dean is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ellen; 9 children, 42 grandchildren and 59 great-grandchildren, Marie (Alan) Bruna and family, Hanover, Matt (Rachel) Bruna and Weston, Gwen, Sawyer, and Isla; Ben (Cheryl) Bruna and Gracie, Jack, Kate, and Brooks; Emily (Justin) Dragastin and Max, Dean, Lyla, Louie, and Leo; Tyler (Cami) Bruna and Parker, Walker, Charlie, and Boone; Anthony Bruna; Alex (Jenna) Bruna and Eva and Beckham; Claire (Dave) Blumer and Sophia, and Bella; Andrew Bruna, Will (Maggie) Bruna, and Carter Bruna; Anne (Andy) Bruna and family, Hanover, Derek (Colleen) Bruna and Drew, Lilly, Ellie, Kip, and Joey; Brett (Becky) Bruna and Chase, Cooper, Cole, Creighton, Caylee, Collins, and Carsyn; Andrea (Jeff) Blumer and Blake, Reid, Hayes, and Olivia; Briana (Cory) Jensen and Ellis, Cam, Emmy, Andie; and Allison (Jacob) Nagely, Jase, Quinn, Luke, and Lucy; Mark (Evelyn) Diederich and family, Greenleaf, LeaAnne (Chad) Huffman and Mary Claire, Maggie, and McCoy; Ryan, Aaron (Sydney) Diederich, Macklynn, Holt, and Huntleigh; Nichole (Andrew) Lower and Creed; and Kevin; Beth (Greg) Bruning and family, Overland Park, KS, Danny, Sam (Jade) Bruning, Luke and Joe; Greg (Brenda) Diederich and family, Greenleaf, Caleb (Kristy) Diederich and Mason and Avery Jo; Jerod (Mandi) Diederich and Brooks and Palmer; Ethan (Tiffany) Diederich and Wesley, Peter and Thomas; and Austin (Paige) Diederich; Elise (Paul) Snapp and family, Great Bend, KS, Katherine, Aubrey, Clarise, and Emma; Carolyn (Tim) Dalton and family, Lincoln, NE, Dean, Anna, Ellen, James, Vivian, Colette, and Everett; David Diederich; Dallas, TX, and Jeanette (Tyler) Schiffelbein and family, Wichita, KS, Charlotte, Celia, Rose; and siblings, Jeanine Hummel, Marcia Newcomer, Carol Lyon, Paul Diederich, Bernie Cole, Marilyn Kramer and Dee Wieden.

In remembrance of Dean's life, a memorial fund has been established with the Kimeo Cemetery Association and Covenant House. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the fund and sent in care of the Hanover Mortuary, c/o Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.