John Diel

John Lawrence Diel, 84, Wausau, died May 4, 2016 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

John was born December 7, 1931 in Oshkosh to the late George and Mary (Macho) Diel. He graduated from Oshkosh High School. John served in the US Navy from March 1951 to March 1955 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bennington as an aircraft landing officer. He married Sandra Bahr on January 20, 1962 and the couple celebrated 33 years together before her death on February 7, 1995. Love found John once more when he married his longtime friend and co-worker from Kmart, Iris (Hanke) Jansa on May 11, 1996 at Wesley United Methodist Church, Wausau. John worked in management for Kmart for 33 years prior to his retirement.

John was a good man, wonderful husband, loving father and grandfather. He loved family and was delighted when he married Iris to be a dad to Brenda and grandfather to her son, Evan his "Little Buddy". John was a strong and wise man, truly and inspiration to his family with his humble nature and giving personality with a good hearty laugh. During their 20 years together, John and Iris were seldom apart and the love and compassion that they shared radiated to those around them. Together they went camping, fishing, rides across the countryside, watching birds and playing cards. The only time they were apart when he watched his beloved Green Bay Packers play and he was the consummate arm chair coach.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Iris; children, Brenda (Dennis) Laffin of Wausau and Scott (Denise) Jansa of Green Bay; grandchildren, Evan Laffin, Cory Jansa and Cameron Jansa; siblings, Ellen (Russ) Frees of Omero, Florence Diel of Oshkosh, Mary Haash of Sussex and Rose (Ralph) Watkins of Oshkosh; brother-in-law, Hubert "Bud" Doro; and extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his twin daughters, Lori and Lisa; siblings, George and Joan; brother-in-law, Francis Haash and nephew, Steve Haash.

Funeral services will be 12:00 PM on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at Wesley United Methodist Church, Wausau. Pastor Sue Lee D.Min. will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of services on Wednesday at the church. Burial will be at Rib Falls Methodist Cemetery with military rites performed by VFW Burns Post #388. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign the family guestbook at helke.com.

A very special word of thanks goes to Dr. Tange, Dr. Brebeck, Dr. Tom Schneider, Dr. Kolicki and Helke Funeral Home for their compassion and wonderful care for John and his family over the years.