William Diekmann, 93, of Eau Claire, died on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. Bill was born on October 31, 1919, in Wilmont, MN, to John and Mary (Balkenol) Diekmann. He had 13 siblings and grew up on the family farm in St. Kilian, MN. Bill worked in the printing industry for 40+ years. Early in his career he owned and published the Cassville American newspaper. He also worked many years for Blaschko Printing in Arcadia, WI, and Johnson Litho Graphics in Eau Claire, WI. After retirement, Bill enjoyed keeping kids safe, working as a school crossing guard for 20 years. He loved to play Bingo, Farkle and SkipBo in addition to being an enthusiastic fan of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and the WI Lottery. For decades he dreamed of winning a big lottery payout that he could donate to charity. He was awarded a gold rosary in recognition of his 50 year membership with the Catholic Knights. On June 12, 1954, he married Eileen Urbanek. She preceded him in death in 1990. He is survived by their daughters, Susan Hedlund of Huron, SD, Pam Diekmann, of Eau Claire, WI, Nancy Diekmann of Shoreview, MN, and Barbara Diekmann of St Paul, MN; grandchildren, Chris (Traci) Hedlund of Eau Claire, WI, and Laura Stephens (fiancé Richard Sentell) of Huron, SD; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Bethany, Corey and Dylan Hedlund, and Jenna, Madison, and Reese Stephens. He was looking forward to welcoming great-grandchildren Anthony, Zion, and Willow Sentell in July. He is also survived by his sister, Agatha (Melvin) Fuerstenberg of Worthington, MN; sister-in-law, Dorothy Diekmann of Owatonna, MN; and many nieces and nephews. On October 8, 1996, he married Ida Traynor. She preceded him in death in 2005. He is survived by her children, John (Shirley) Traynor of Radisson, WI, James (Remya) Traynor of Stevens Point, WI, Gregory (Mary) Traynor, Barbara (Michael) Mai, and Beverly (James) Gladwell, all of Eau Claire, WI, Virginia (Gary) Kuehn of Mondovi, WI, and Gary (Sharon) Traynor of Rice Lake, WI; 14 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 416 N. Dewey St. in Eau Claire, with Fr. John A. Schultz officiating. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart - St. Patrick's Catholic Church

Service Information

Visitation

Saturday, April 20 2013 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Sacred Heart Catholic Church North Dewey Street & Division Street Eau Claire WI 54701

Mass of Christian Burial

Saturday, April 20 2013 11:00 AM

Sacred Heart Catholic Church North Dewey Street & Division Street Eau Claire WI 54701