Obituary of Gerald “Gerry” Conrad Diehl

Gerald “Gerry” Conrad Diehl, 68, of Lewisville, Texas, passed away January 25th, at 7:30 in the morning. 

 

Gerry was born February 8, 1953, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended and graduated from Milwaukee John Marshall High School in 1971. At 6 feet tall and 225 pounds, he was known as “Big Diehl”, and excelled at football. While wearing his famous No. 78 in the position of Interior Lineman, he earned the honor of being selected for the 1970 Milwaukee City Conference All-City All-Star Football Team. Four years after graduating from high school, Gerry was made a Master Mason on May 16th, 1975, through Lodge No. 301 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

 

A few years later, Gerry moved down to Texas, where he came to meet his soul mate and best friend, Sherry, through his love of football and coaching with the Lewisville Football Association. They married October 5th, 1990, on the 50-yard line of the Lewisville Lake Park Football Field between two LFA games. Gerry loved working with and coaching football to kids and served 20 years in the LFA as a coach and on the Board of Directors. Shortly after marrying Sherry, Gerry began working at Mary Kay, and retired in 2011 after 20 loyal, dedicated years. 

 

Gerry is survived by his loving wife Sherry Diehl, and their six children: Gerry and his wife, Jai Jai, Dayna and her husband Mark, Jennifer and her husband Mark, Jeff and his wife Tricia, Jamie and her husband Brian and Amber and her husband Gil. His sister, Cheryl and her husband Mark and his niece and nephews. Preceded in death by his older brother, Dan. 

Further survived by his 20 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

 

In Gerry’s baby book, it was noted that “Gerry was a slow talker. He was just about three when you could just about understand him.” This describes Gerry in ways more perfect than that simple statement. Gerry was a man of few words, but his quiet strength, support and love were clearly understood. Gerry made it his life mission to make sure his family and friends knew they were loved, that he was proud of them and that he was always there when you needed him. 

 

Gerry’s crystal blue eyes could convey any message. They would sparkle with joy when he got to enjoy Kopps frozen custard in Wisconsin, glow with love when he looked at his wife, and sparkle with mischief whenever he got sassy. 

 

Gerry’s life will be celebrated Sunday, January 30th at 2:00 pm at North Dallas Funeral Home, 2710 Valley View Lane, Dallas, Texas.

 

As is well known, Gerry was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. It is encouraged to sport the hallowed Green and Gold to honor Gerry’s love of his home state’s football team.