William Leon “Bill” Diekema
December 12th, 1941 - February 14th, 2025
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Bill's Obituary
William Leon (Bill) Diekema, 83, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on February 14, 2025 in South Haven, Michigan.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. at Filbrandt Chapel, 1076 S. Bailey Avenue, South Haven, Michigan. A private family service is being planned for a later date.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie (Spencer) Diekema, sons Steven (Kristine) Diekema, Daniel (Kristyn) Diekema, and step-children Chris LaBar and Brandi Dietz, grandchildren Logan, Skye, Ryker, Callen, Brennan, Christopher, Cassidy, Ashton and Samantha, and great-grandchildren Beckhem and Adelyn. He is also survived by his twin brother Robert Diekema and sister Kathy (Wayne) Brunner as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and special friend Ken Dietz.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Dorothy Diekema, and sister Delores Herbstrieth.
Bill joined the Michigan State Police in 1968 and retired in 1993 after 25 years of service, retiring out of the South Haven post. After his retirement he continued to work for the State Police at the Paw Paw post performing maintenance. He then went to work for several years as Court Security at the Federal Courthouse in Kalamazoo.
Bill was also a licensed builder/contractor and built many homes in the South Haven and surrounding areas for family and friends. He enjoyed police work but building was his true passion.
Bill was also a member of the Geneva Township Board of Review, a past volunteer for the Van Buren County Sheriffs Department Victim Services Unit, an avid sports fan, seldom missing a game a grandchild was playing, no matter the sport.
Bill will be laid to rest at Monk’s Cemetery in Geneva Township.
Those wishing to share a memory of Bill online may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333
A visitation will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. at Filbrandt Chapel, 1076 S. Bailey Avenue, South Haven, Michigan. A private family service is being planned for a later date.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie (Spencer) Diekema, sons Steven (Kristine) Diekema, Daniel (Kristyn) Diekema, and step-children Chris LaBar and Brandi Dietz, grandchildren Logan, Skye, Ryker, Callen, Brennan, Christopher, Cassidy, Ashton and Samantha, and great-grandchildren Beckhem and Adelyn. He is also survived by his twin brother Robert Diekema and sister Kathy (Wayne) Brunner as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and special friend Ken Dietz.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Dorothy Diekema, and sister Delores Herbstrieth.
Bill joined the Michigan State Police in 1968 and retired in 1993 after 25 years of service, retiring out of the South Haven post. After his retirement he continued to work for the State Police at the Paw Paw post performing maintenance. He then went to work for several years as Court Security at the Federal Courthouse in Kalamazoo.
Bill was also a licensed builder/contractor and built many homes in the South Haven and surrounding areas for family and friends. He enjoyed police work but building was his true passion.
Bill was also a member of the Geneva Township Board of Review, a past volunteer for the Van Buren County Sheriffs Department Victim Services Unit, an avid sports fan, seldom missing a game a grandchild was playing, no matter the sport.
Bill will be laid to rest at Monk’s Cemetery in Geneva Township.
Those wishing to share a memory of Bill online may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333
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