Obituary: Diedrich, John C.
Age 90
He was born in Valley, WA on May 15, 1922 to Andrew J. and Queenie Diedrich.
John would graduate Valley High School and go on to attend Gonzaga University.
After just one year at Gonzaga, World War II would call him away to serve in the Army Air Corps.
John was shot down and was a prisoner of war for nine months.
Following his time as a P.O.W., he returned to marry Helen V. Marshall in 1946.
He finished his tour with the Air Corps and the family moved to Chewelah, WA.
Upon joining the police force, they would move to Spokane, WA.
John served on the force for over 25 years.
After retirement, he worked part time with friends doing construction and as an engineer for Holsom Bakery, helping build their last location in the Spokane Valley.
As a family they would take hunting and camping trips, doing things the true way and staying in tents.
John and his wife enjoyed many amazing trips together in later years with their friends.
He and Helen cultivated a very special bond during there 67 years together, never leaving each others side unless absolutely necessary.
Even in the very end they were together.
John was a member of the Spokane Eagles, Spokane Policeman’s Guild, and VFW 1474.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mickey Russell and daughter Marie G. Diedrich.
John is survived by the love of his life, Helen Diedrich; brother George Diedrich; daughters Anita (Tom) Schmidt, Helen (Rick) Beam, and JoAnn (Mike) Gallichan; six grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and one great-great-grandchild on the way.
A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 2 pm.