Kenneth D. Diefenbach

Kenneth D. Diefenbach, 83, of New Philadelphia, died Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at Union Hospital in Dover.A son of the late Charles and Florence Rufenacht Diefenbach, Kenneth was born March 20, 1921 in Dover, Ohio.Following his graduation from New Philadelphia High School, he served with the United States Army at Normandy in Northern France and in the Rhineland in Central Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Meritorius Unit Award, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal, and the American Campaign Medal before being honorably discharged in l945.The following year, on June 30, he married the former Hannah J. Hewitt, and with her shared 51 years of marriage until her death in 1997.Kenneth was a partner in Kenny & Pete’s Floor Covering in New Philadelphia for 20 years until his retirement.He was a life member of both the Dover Moose and the Dover V.F.W., and a member of the First United Church of Christ in New Philadelphia. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching the Cleveland Indians, the Cleveland Browns, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. He also spent time feeding the squirrels and the birds, and perfecting his wine-making skills which were well-known among his family and friends.He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Sally and Sam Dessecker of Mentor and Nancy and Steve Ditcher of Uhrichsville; grandchildren, Kenny (Lisa) Dessecker of Garfield Heights, Andy Dessecker of Kirtland, Samantha (Shane) Dessecker Schmitt of Wickliffe, Nicole Ditcher and David Ditcher, both of Uhrichsville; great-grandson, Jacob Schmitt; and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his sister, Mary Jane Stemple.Visitation will be Friday, September 17, 2004 from 5 to 8 pm at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia. Services will be conducted by Rev. Hugh B. Berry on Saturday morning, September 18, 2004, at 11:00 am in the Geib Funeral Home Chapel.Burial will be at East Avenue Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by the Dover VFW.Following the committal, a reception for family and friends will be at the Geib Family Center.Memorial contributions to honor Kenneth’s life may be made to the organization or charity of the donor’s choice.