Diehl Frank Pickett
APPLETON, WI. – Diehl Frank Pickett, age 81, of Appleton, formerly of Gwinn, Michigan, passed away suddenly on Tuesday,January 13, 2015, at his home. Diehl was born December 5, 1933, in Madelia, Minnesota, the son of the late Diehl Frank, Sr. and Helen Emma (Wilkening) Pickett.
Diehl graduated from Truman High School in Truman, Minnesota, with the class of 1951.
He then went on and attended South Dakota State University, where he played football. In January 1952, Diehl enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in Korea. He retired after 23 years of service, as a Senior Master Sergeant. Following his military retirement, Diehl went on to work for American Eagle Airlines, retiring a second time in 1996.
On October 10, 1953, he married Marlys Peterson, his high school sweetheart, in Truman, Minnesota. After living in various areas during their marriage, Diehl and Marlys settled and made their home in Gwinn, Michigan for 40 years. They recently relocated to Appleton to be closer to family.
Diehl was a member of the U. S. Air Force 13th Bomb Squadron Association and the U. S. Air Force Gunners Association. He was an avid outdoorsman and master fisherman, a member of the Pheasants Forever and an active member of Ducks Unlimited. Diehlwill be fondly remembered as a classical handyman with perfection for detail.
Diehl is survived by his loving wife of over 61 years, Marlys; daughter, Dawn (Mark) Washatka of Appleton; sons, James (Letty) Pickett of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Ronald (Katharine) Pickett of Appleton;son-in-law, James Paris of Bethel, Minnesota; grandchildren, Graham (Erin)Washatka, Brooke (Tim) Hoel, Justin Paris, Terell Paris, Amanda (Darren)Harbeck, Melanie (Eddie) Allen, Amber Pickett, Ashley (Aaron) Dagenais, Arianna(fiance Kyle) Pickett; great-grandchildren, Evan Washatka, Elliana Hoel, Eve Harbeck, Garrett and Emmet Allen, and Corbin Dagenais; and special feline companions, Mickey and Molly.
In addition to his parents, Diehl was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathryn Marie Paris.
Family and friends may call on Monday, January 19, 2015, from 10 – 11 A.M., at the Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond Street, Appleton. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 A.M., in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Vernon (Bud) Norman officiating, followed by Full Military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’sAssociation (In memory of Diehl’s daughter, Kathryn) or a Veteran’s Association of choice.