William "Willie" D. Diehl

William "Willie" Diehl, 83, of Hays, lost his courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, August 3, 2023. He was born January 3, 1940, in Hays, to William F. and Bridget (Jacobs) Diehl. He attended St. Joseph's Military Academy.

William had many jobs, including Service Acid in which he retired early due to a disabling accident. His Greatest job was being a loving father and grandfather. He made many memories for his daughters over the years from picking them up at school and helping with homework to late night phone calls letting them know he always supported them no matter what. In recent years he made many memories with his grandchildren playing games or going on walks and collecting rocks with them.

William was great at drawing and would draw pictures, doodle, and work on crossword or sudoku puzzles in his free time. He loved watching court shows and old western movies. He liked making jokes and making people laugh. He was great at giving advice and would always listen. He had a great outlook on everything and often said “It could be worse”. He was a brave and strong fighter and liked to know everything going on. He was stuck in his stubbornness until his passing.

He is survived by his three daughters; Kelli (Diehl) and James Yunker, Hays, Ashley (Diehl) Mehl, Hays, Michelle (Diehl) Gonzales and family, Lawrence; two sons, Johnathan and Davina “Pepper” Diehl and family, and Christopher Diehl, both of Topeka; one brother, Kenneth and Carol Diehl, Roseville, CA, three sisters, Virginia Ekey, Wichita, Janice Krannawitter and husband Don, Hays, Karen Swain, Lawrence; five grandchildren, Jace and Jami Yunker, Hays, Caylor Diehl, Traetyn Mehl, and Braylin Mehl, Hays, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by; his parents, a son William “Bill” Diehl, two brothers, Jacob Diehl and Michael Diehl, four sisters, Judy Pohlenz, Kristina Schmidt, Kathleen Diehl, and Lillian VanLoenen.

Memorial Services will be Friday, August 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Brock's - Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine Street Hays, KS 67601, with Inurnment following the services in St Joseph's Catholic Cemetery - Hays.  Willie's family will receive guests at the Funeral Chapel on Friday beginning at 9 AM until service time.

Memorial contributions are suggested to be used according to the wishes of the family. Donations can be made by tribute pay at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Services in care of Brock's - Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory.  Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com