Diehl, Mary Ann (1923-2016)

DIEHL, WILLETT, MITCHELL, ALLISON, HATTEN, SANCHEZ, SEYFARTH

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 4/18/2016 at 13:11:53

Mary Ann Diehl
August 14, 1923 - March 27, 2016

Mary Ann Diehl went to her heavenly home on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016, at Mercy Hospice Johnston in Johnston, Iowa.

Mary Ann Willett, daughter of Edwin (Bud) and Esther Willett, was born in Rock Island, Illinois, on August 14, 1923. She spent her childhood there, along with her brother, Richard, and her sister, Barbara. After attending Augustana College, she joined the Women’s Army Corps. Taking advantage of the GI Bill upon completing her service, she attended UCLA and the University of Iowa Law School, becoming one of only two women in the graduating class of 1950.

While in law school, Mary Ann met her future husband, Robert H. Diehl. They married in 1949 and moved to Albert City, Iowa, after they graduated to begin a successful law practice together. Robert, however, while serving as a State Representative, passed away unexpectedly, and Mary Ann was left to raise three young children by herself. After working as an attorney for more than fifty years with law firms in Albert City and Storm Lake, Iowa, she spent her remaining days enjoying visits and trips with family and friends.

Mary Ann lived a life of service and care for others. She served in various positions of leadership including as an advisor to the Albert City town council, as a board member at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and as a member of the Grandview University Board of Trustees. Moreover, she worked with the National Council for the Lutheran Church of America, the national grievance committee for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, and Lutheran Social Services of Iowa. In 2000, the Iowa State Bar Association recognized her for fifty years in the practice of law. An advocate for those in need, Mary Ann “lived out” her walk with Christ through her generous, yet humble spirit. Indeed, her many kindnesses and her quiet strength, courage, and integrity served as an example for all who knew her.

Those left to celebrate her loving legacy include her children, Dick Diehl, Jim (Ellen) Diehl, and Susan (Jeff) Mitchell; her grandchildren: Julia (Brian) Allison, and their step daughter, Haylee; Sarah (Brett) Hatten and their daughter, Lillian; Drs. Evan (Dr. Ursula) Diehl; Melinda (1st Lieutenant Juan Pablo) Sanchez; and Jessica Mitchell; her sister, Barbara Seyfarth; seven nieces and nephews; and special lifelong friends, Leone Buse and Helen Rasmussen; as well many other friends too numerous to mention. Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert H. Diehl; her parents; her brother, Richard Willett; and her daughter-in-law, Dusty Diehl.

Perhaps the poet James Weldon Johnson said it best, “Weep no more, weep no more. She’s resting in the bosom of Jesus.”

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 31, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Albert City. Burial will follow in the Fairfield Township Cemetery in Albert City. Visitation will take place Wednesday, March 30, 2016, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made designated to Our Savior's Lutheran Church. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of the arrangements.

Copyright © 2016, Sliefert Funeral Homes

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