Norman Diefenbach

Norman Diefenbach, 83, of rural Harrisburg, IL died Sunday June 24, 2012 at 12:25 pm at Shawnee Rose Care Center in Harrisburg, IL. Funeral services will be held Wednesday June 27, 2012 at 3pm at Felty Funeral Home in Carrier Mills, IL. Visitation will be held Wednesday after 2 pm. Reverend John Hancock will officiate. Burial will be Thursday June 28, 2012 at 12:30 pm at Mounds City National Cemetery in Mounds City, IL with military rites by the Carrier Mills American Legion, Harrisburg American Legion and the National Guard Ritual Team. He was on October 8, 1928 at Stonefort, IL to the late Louis and Clara (Brandon) Diefenbach. He married Edna Hancock in July 21, 1949 and she survives. Norman joined the Navy at age 17 at the end of World War II. He was assigned to the c.b.’s (Construction Battalion) helping rebuild the Pacific Islands. He went to work at Caterpillar Tractor in the early 1950’s, and retired after 30 years and moved back to Southern Illinois. He loved working outdoors; he was an avid gardener and master beekeeper. He is survived by his wife: Edna Diefenbach; 3 Daughters: Lenora Krause, Shirley (Rich) Erickson and Sandy (Kevin) Obrakta; 6 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; Sister: Eva Hancock and Brother: Bertis (Joyce) Diefenbach and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a Granddaughter: Bonnie Erickson Howard; 4 sisters and 4 brothers.