James L. Diedrich

James L. Diedrich, age 63, died Wednesday, February 23, 2011, of heart failure at St. Mary's in Madison.  He was born June 9, 1947, in Oak Park, IL, IL, the son of Loras and Doris (Popanz) Diedrich.  After his retirement of warehouse management, Jim found his greatest joy in his second career working for the Sun Prairie School District as a teacher's aide.  In his spare time Jim loved spending time with his family, Muskie fishing and was an avid baseball fan: his favorites were the Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds and the Minnesota Twins.  He enjoyed coaching baseball for the YMCA, coaching hockey and always having his chocolate snacks available!  On September 4, 1970, Jim was united in marriage with Caren Seaver in Winfield, Il, Il.   In addition to his wife Caren, survivors include 2 sons: Eric Haze (Jana) Diedrich of Lakewood, CO and Michael Blue (Angela) Diedrich of Sun Prairie; 3 grandchildren; Andrew, Kate and Emily; his parents Loras and Doris of Wheaton, IL, 4 brothers: Bob (Valerie) Diedrich, Tim (Shirley) Diedrich, Bill (Krista) Diedrich and John (Jean) Diedrich all of Madison; 3 sisters: Mary Ann (Tom) Koegler and Patricia Diedrich both of Chicago and Kathy (Jim) Kuenster of Wheaton, IL; 12 nieces and nephews and numerous other relatives.  Jim was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Tommy and Steven.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 4:00 pm Wednesday, March 2 at SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH 221 Columbus St. with Reverend John Putzer presiding.  Friends may call from 4 -- 7 pm Tuesday at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME and again from 3 pm until time of Mass Wednesday, at the church.  In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Assoc. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie (608) 837-9054