Kristopher Arthur Diehm, Sr.

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved father, Kristopher ‘Kris’ Arthur Diehm Sr. He peacefully left this world on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 2:30 pm in Madison, Wisconsin surrounded by his loved ones. Kris was born on March 29, 1951, in Wisconsin. His kindness, wisdom, and warm smile touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

Kris was a devoted husband to MaryAnn for 28 years and a cherished father to Paul Diehm (Cody Phillips (Becca, Frederick, Bennett), Kristopher Paul), Christina ‘Chrissy’ Sumenek (Matt, Tracy, Dakota Brunner), Tiffany ‘Tiffy’ Mitchell (Kenny, Jazmin Davis (Erik Rathgaber, Ari), Resdual ‘Raj’ Brown, Kailly Davis, Miguel Leonard (Yacseli)), Michael ‘Mike’ Krall, Kris Diehm Jr. (Will, Kayden, Malia) and Dustin ‘Dusty’ Diehm (Novalee Kopmeyer, Nariah). Though preceded in death by his brother Josh Diehm III, son Paul Diehm, daughter Chrissy Sumenek, son Robbie Diederich and grandson Raj Brown. He loved and will be remembered by his wife’s children Robbie Diederich, Marie Rickard (Alysha Herpel (Nick, Taylor), Jorden Rickard), Jonnie Diederich and Jodie Diederich. 

Kris enjoyed watching the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. He always had music on in the background and would hum or sing along. Kris loved to show others how much he cared by giving gifts and food. You could never leave his house without being offered something for the road. Kris loved spending his days tinkering with projects around the house, watching sports, grilling out, and spending time with family.

Kris and MaryAnn—the dynamic duo at the card table. Hearts, spades, and clubs danced in their hands as they strategized, laughed, and occasionally teased each other. Their card games were more than battles; they were love letters written in a deck of 52. His pets, Midnight, Petra and Sweetie—faithful companions who knew the rhythm of his days. Their presence, like invisible threads, stitched love into the fabric of his life.

Please join us as we celebrate his remarkable life and share cherished memories. Your presence and support mean the world to our family during this difficult time. 

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave., Madison. Family will greet friends from 11:30 until the time of service. Burial in Sunset Memory Gardens will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations to the memorial fundraiser in honor of Kris Diehm at the following link: https://gofund.me/97ac2655. Let’s keep his legacy alive by spreading love and kindness.

As we bid farewell, let us remember Kris not with tears of sorrow, but with smiles that echo his laughter. He taught us that family extends beyond bloodlines—it’s the bonds we forge, the stories we share, and the love that transcends time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Please share your memories of Kris here in his Guestbook.

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406