Birth date: Aug 4, 1923 Death date: Sep 17, 2009
Max F. Diefenthaler, 86, of Decatur, died Thursday, September 17, 2009 in Liberty Village, Clinton. Max was born August 4, 1923, in Oconee, IL, the son of Frederick C. and Edna Huffaker Diefenthaler. An Elder in the Kingdom Hall o Read Obituary
Dear Sandy and Mrs. Diefenthaler,It was just a short week ago that I was there for the funeral of Mr. Diefenthaler. I was so touched by the outpouring of love and gratitude to Mr. Diefenthaler. He touched so many lives and so many people loved and looked up to him. May happy memories of him sustain you through the coming years. St. Louis, MO US
Dear Sis. Diefenthaler and family, Our hearts are aching for you at this sad time. We have always had such great appreciation and love for the two of you and your kind and loving ways my husband, especially, has such wonderful memories of Max from times of working together at the District Conventions. His voice still resonates in my memory whenever I think of the wonderful talks he has had the privilege of giving over the years. Thanks to Jehovah for the resurrection hope! Our prayers will continue to be with you for Jehovah's support and comfort to lift you up and strengthen you.Ps.63:8; Isa.41:10Much love, Frank and Delora Dunlevy Springfield, IL US
Martha,Our prayers and sympathy are with you at this most difficult time. We have many fond memories over the years of Max and you being always together and ready and willing to give others support and comfort. We will long to see the day when we will see many of our dear brothers and sisters that we have lost in death again. May Jehovah be with you through this very trying time and loss. Bob & Pat Arcola, IL US
Dearest Martha & Sandy,I just want you to know that we are thinking of you at this time and you are in our prayers. Max was such a loyal servant of Jehovah. So we all look forward to the time when Jesus will call and Max & Dad & Mother & all the family will hear his voice and come out. Lincoln, IL US
I will always remember Max as the backbone of this family and very much loved and respected by all of us in and outside the family circle.He truely fulfilled Proverbs 27:11, "Be wise my son and make my heart rejoice that I may make a repley to the one that is taunting me." Jehovah is giving Satan a reply today as Max awaits his reward in the paradise earth.I pray we will all be there to welcome him back. Love,Pam & Jim Decatur, IL US
Bill had the privilege to go in the ministry with Max and witness a remarkable approach to the ministry and making God's name known.That has stuck with Bill and he has tried to apply it.We have memories of Max not missing a beat during a storm and giving his talk with the aid of a flashlight.His strength,smile and love of Jehovah sets an example for all of us.It also serves as a marking post for us in our service to Jehovah.The closeness he shared with Martha and his family is very touching to reflect on.A strong servant of Jehovah and a tender compassionate family man.He gained the respect of the very young to the not so very young.We are thankful for the opportunity to work with him and enjoy his many insightful talks. Decatur, IL US
Dear Martha,Forman and I remember when Max and you came to Urbana Woodland Park Congregation to give our Sunday discourse. A group of us went out to eat. We thoroughly enjoyed your warm fellowship. Of course, I have always enjoyed listening to Max give talks at assemblies and conventions. He was such a dignified humble servant of Jehovah that seemed to catch the attention of anyone in the room. We treasure his memory and look forward to seeing him again in the Paradise. You are in our prayers.LoveForman and Freddie Mae Pursley Urbana, IL US
Daniel 12:2 "And there will be many of those asleep in the ground of dust who will wake up, these to indefinitely lasting life… I'm eager to meet him in that day! Urbana, IL US
Dear Martha and Sandy, I was so sad to see that Max had died. I will always remember him for the smile on his face and his soft-spoken and humorous manner. I saw Max a few times through the years when he would bring copy into the Tribune and he always lit up the place with his humor and smile! Take comfort in knowing that time on earth is so short and in the blink of an eye we will all be in a place where we will never have to part with our loved ones again, in the meantime savor the momories and the sweet times. I love you guys and if you need anything let me know! Kitty Decatur, IL US
Martha and family,You were certainly good neighbors at Pepperidge Ct. in Decatur,Il. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Peoria, AZ US
