Daniel "Dan" Diehl

Daniel R. Diehl, 90, passed away in the early morning hours of January 24th, 2026.

Dan was born on December 3rd, 1935 to Wilbert Diehl and Marguerite (Woods) in Detroit, MI.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Iris (Harper) Diehl; brother, Bill (Judy) Diehl; children, Denise (Joe) King, Lori Oliver, Georgia (Ron) Alessio and Pam (Kurt) Jantz; grand-children, Kevin Lucas, Eric Oliver, Angela (Tim) Hanafin, Rachel (Jared) Frey and Harper Jantz.

Dan was proceeded in death by his parents; his sister, Judy Criss; his brother, Tim Woods and his grand-daughter, April Lucas.

Dan was a proud U.S. Navy Air veteran, joining just after the end of the Korean War at the age of 18. He served in Alaska, Hawaii and Japan. In recent years, he was rarely seen without his blue veteran’s hat.

Dan spent most of his long career in the banking industry – rising to the ranks of Senior Vice President. Defined by his remarkable moral compass, he went above and beyond to ensure that integrity remained the gold standard of his lifework.

A man of extraordinary compassion, Dan lived by the belief that his greatest success was found in what he could give to others – especially children and those with special needs.

For years, he was a champion for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, recruiting local athletes and celebrities while serving on the board for their annual charity golf outing.

More than anything, Dan loved to make people laugh – including himself – often as we all anxiously awaited the punchline. A natural storyteller with a quick wit, Dan never met a stranger, only future audience members. His warmth ensured that anyone who met him for five minutes felt like they had known him for a lifetime.

Dan’s final resting place will be at the Great Lake’s National Cemetery in Holly, MI in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org).

A life well-lived. Forever in our hearts.

Elvis has left the building.

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