Gerald S. Diederichs, age 92, formerly of Malone (St. Peter), and most recently a resident of St. Francis Home in Fond du Lac, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday morning, November 3, 2026.

Gerald was born on February 16, 1934, in Johnsburg, the son of the late Albert A. and Priska (Sabel) Diederichs. He attended St. John's Catholic School. On July 23, 1955, Gerald married Bernice A. Abler at St. Cloud Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on April 5, 2018. Together, they farmed for nearly 40 years on the family homestead in the Town of Taycheedah. He worked for more than 10 years at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, as well as at Silica Gardens. Gerald was an active member of Our Lady of the Holyland parish, where he shared his love of music by singing in the church choir. He was a past member of the St. Peter's Lions Club. Together, Gerald and Bernice enjoyed going to dances and making memories together. Most importantly, Gerald cherished the time he spent with his family.

Gerald is survived by his six children: Pat (Fran) Kraus of Malone, Mary (Ron) Baus of Mount Calvary, Dan (Lori) Diederichs of Fond du Lac, Mark (Laurie) Diederichs of Malone, Tom (Kathy) Diederichs of Malone, and Paul (Nancy) Diederichs of Malone; 20 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; his sister, Edna Nadler; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lorraine Ballwanz, Marian (Ron) Freund, Diana Abler, and Kathy (Al) Kempf. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice; an infant daughter, Anna; a granddaughter, Angela; a great-granddaughter, Amelia; his parents, Albert and Priska Diederichs; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Rose Abler; two brothers, Melvin (Rita) Diederichs and Jerome (Joanne) Diederichs; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Julitta (Elmer) Schmitz, Willie (Marie) Abler, Roger "Cheesie" (Mary) Abler, Don Abler, Bob Ballwanz, and Donnie Nadler.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 PM (NOON) on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Our Lady of the Holyland Church in Johnsburg, N9288 County Road W, Malone, WI 53049. Fr. Larry Abler and Fr. Paul Koenigs will be officiating.

Entombment will take place at a later date in the Shrine of Rest Chapel Mausoleum at Ledgeview Memorial Park Cemetery in Fond du Lac.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Saturday from 9:00 AM until 11:45 AM, when brief family rites will be held.

In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of St. Francis Home and Villa Loretta for the friendships formed and the wonderful care provided to Gerald. He was affectionately known as the greeter outside the home and truly enjoyed visiting with guests as they came and went.

The family would also like to express their sincere gratitude to hospice for the care, kindness, and compassion shown to Dad during his final days. 

WHATEVER