William 's Memory Wall
We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of William here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
As a friend of Brandi's, I always felt loved and welcomed in her home. Bill was kind and gentle and went out of his way to make me feel comfortable, all the time. RIP to a man who greeted me with a smile and a hug every time I crossed his door step. π
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Alicia Beelendorf (Jorgensen)
February 21st, 2025 at 2:53am
Diekema family, we send our condolences and prayers to your entire family in your loss of your dadβ¦may you feel Gods comfort and oeace
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Ken and Kathy Maxwell
February 20th, 2025 at 9:03pm
What an honor it was to have known Mr. Diekema. He was a friend of my father's (retired Detective Sergeant John J. Karsen). I am sure that you and my father are telling stories of your MSP days. May you rest in peace.
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Nikol Karsen
February 19th, 2025 at 9:00am
What a great person to have the pleasure of knowing and working with at Baker Auto Group South Haven⦠Bill will be sorely missed and was loved by everyone at the dealership! God Bless The Entire Family.
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Martin Jackson
February 18th, 2025 at 6:15pm
I'm so very sorry to hear about this. I have fun memories of growing up in Geneva Estates and spending time at your house. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
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Maggie Hill Murillo
February 18th, 2025 at 1:34pm
Very sorry for your loss Diekema family. Bill worked with my dad, John Arends, for many years. He was a very nice man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May he rest in peace. Marsha
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Marsha Lewis
February 18th, 2025 at 7:54am
My Deepest condolences! Bill was one great guy, co worker and Great Friend. Iβm seriously hurt hearing of his passing. A REAL GENTILE GIANT. Prayers for the family.
He assisted me with building projects and inspections on a number of occasions. Iβm not sure Iβll need him to inspect my heavenly home, but Iβm thrilled to hear he will be there.
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Al Mingo
February 17th, 2025 at 11:01pm
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Diekema family. My memories are of a larger than life family man that always had a smile and a helping hand for neighbors and friends. Although he will be missed he will never be forgotten.
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Carie Loudenslager
February 17th, 2025 at 8:28pm
Debbie and family,
Hugs and prayers to all of you during this difficult time. As you go through the many changes, hang on to the memories they can never be taken away.
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Bryan and Diana Stump
February 17th, 2025 at 5:24pm
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was one of the good guys out there and will be missed. I played softball against him and we ran into each other at a number of different golf courses over the years and enjoyed his friendship every time. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family
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Terry L Taylor
February 17th, 2025 at 12:55pm
Many great years knowing Bill starting with softball back in the mid seventies. Always a smile and a handshake. He will be missed by many. Rest in peace Deek.
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Greg Myrklee
February 16th, 2025 at 9:15pm
It was an honor to have worked with Bill. The mutual assistance between MSP.and SHPD was an mutual acceptance. Bill was just slightly taller than me . I was a Sgt. With SHPD until I retired in 2000. Bill , will not be forgotten .My condolences to Debbie and the family.
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William "Bill " Trent retired SHPD Sgt.
February 15th, 2025 at 1:51pm
Deb and the entire Diekema family, we are truly sorry for your loss. When I entered the MSP as a probationary trooper (βCubβ) I didnβt realize how fortunate I was to have had Bill as my training officer. Bill was well liked and respected by both his co-workers and the community he served. Always positive, smiling, and a hard worker. He built 2 homes for me (one I still live in). After working 8 hours weβd go work on my home. We? Heβs pound 10 nails to my 2. Bill was a true mentor me, and friend to everyone who knew him. I stood a little taller next to him, but never as tall as him (figuratively and physically). He was one of the best. Weβll miss him.
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Jerry Miazga
February 15th, 2025 at 9:37am
Debbie and family,
Iβm so very sorry to hear of Billβs passing. I remember all the fun we had together when you both met! He was a funny, good and kind man. He was always one of my favorite Troopers, and I was proud to be your friend. Deb, i know we lost touch with my many GTE relocations, but Iβve always held you both in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish those memories and that great family.
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Char Otto
February 15th, 2025 at 7:29am
Debbie, sending love and sympathy to you and your family for the loss of Bill. He was such a great guy and I will always remember all the good times we had at the gatherings we had for the State Troopers. We were a close group back then and I hope all your wonderful memories will get you through your grief. My prayers will be with you all.
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Robin Oie
February 15th, 2025 at 6:27am
Sending sincere sympathies to Debbie & family for the loss of a immensely great guy, Bill. He was always a charming, informative, & interesting fellow. He was ONE of a kind and will be greatly missed.
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Nancy Butzbach
February 14th, 2025 at 11:25pm
Please accept my most sincere sympathies and condolences on Bill's passing. May the good memories with Bill be always with you and visited often.
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Dave Wiatrowski
February 14th, 2025 at 8:44pm
We are very sorry for the loss of Bill. We was definitely one of a kind. Always had a smile for you and a truly kind person. Prayers to his entire family.
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Rick & Carol Audette
February 14th, 2025 at 8:11pm
Debbie and I are so sorry for your loss. Bill served with my dad in the state police at SH (55). I remember him as a very nice man and a master builder. He did quite a bit of renovations and upgrades for the house in his off time. He was a good man. I like to think he is in heaven with my dad sitting around telling "war stories".
Rest in peace " Big Bill".
Respectfully
Kurt and Debbie Keebler
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Kurt and Debbie Keebler
February 14th, 2025 at 7:41pm
One of the kindest men. One of the State of Michigan's finest troopers! I'm sure he's policing heaven now. Rest in peace Mr D
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Tony marr
February 14th, 2025 at 5:03pm