Daniel Henry Diefenbacher

Daniel Henry Diefenbacher, age 86, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family.  Dan was born on December 12, 1938, in Dunlap, OH, to the late Henry and May (Whited) Diefenbacher.  

Dan was a 1956 high school graduate from Hamilton, OH, and then he proudly served in the Army National Guard.  Dan worked in management with the Sears Corporation for over 32 years.  

Dan enjoyed fishing, metal detecting, and woodcarving. He won many first-place ribbons, while teaching others the art of carving. Mostly, Dan loved being with his family, laughing and telling stories. He was a devoted, loving husband that cherished his wife, Joanie, beyond everything. They were blessed to have spent their retirement years traveling the country. He was the best dad anybody could ever wish for, he was patient and kind in his mentoring. Papa was a fun-loving grandpa who took time for his grandkids whether it be taking them fishing, attending plays, and many, many sporting events. He will be greatly missed and thought of every day.

He is survived by his wife Joanie and his children; John (Colleen) Diefenbacher, Fruit Port, MI, Jeff Diefenbacher, Fort Wayne, IN, Kenneth (Kathleen) Hook, Carmel, IN, Angela (Troy Jager) Hook, Fort Wayne, IN, Amy Allen, Fort Wayne, IN, John (Erin) Hook, Leo, IN, Gina (Andy) Bitler, Fort Wayne, IN; and 24 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10700 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne, IN  46804, with Father Jake Schneider presiding.

Celebration of Life immediately following at the Sycamore Pool & Racquet Club, 1511 Sycamore Hills Dr, Fort Wayne, IN, 46814. Please come and share your stories and visit with family and friends.

A burial with Military Honors will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11am, at Fort Wayne Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to American Cancer Society or Stillwater Hospice in care of McElhaney Funeral Home – Roanoke Chapel, 240 Crestwood Drive, Roanoke, IN, 46783.

McElhaney Funeral Home Roanoke Chapel, 240 Crestwood Dr., Roanoke, IN, 46783, is honored to serve the Diefenbacher Family. Online condolences to www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com