Gerhard Diemer

Gerhard H. Diemer of Fredericksburg, Texas passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2020. It ended the 25-year battle he had with Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. He was preceded in death by wife of 73 years, Joan V. (Gold) Diemer who passed away 2 years ago. Gerhard was the eldest of eight children born to Rev Herman and wife Marie Diemer. He was born in Saskatchewan, Canada where his father had his first congregation in the Lutheran Church. He often told stories of his youth in Tigerton, Wisconsin before entering college and graduating with a degree in organic chemistry. He met Joan Gold on the campus of Wartburg College and they were married in 1945. He worked for the Glidden Company for a couple of years before going to work for Percy Julian in Franklin Park as a research chemist-finally ending up at Abbott Laboratories in Waukegan, ILL where he enjoyed working for 26 years. He then retired to Texas where he built a house in the country. He was an active scout leader, a very talented builder of furniture, a consistent singer in the choir, yard man, handy man, and very occasionally a helper in the kitchen. He and his Joan raised two wonderful children. Marilyn (Diemer) Staerk and Warren Diemer who reside in Chicago and Wisconsin respectfully. He was also blessed with 3 grandchildren. Katherine (Staerk) Smith, Emily Staerk, and Austin Diemer. Also, two great grandchildren from Katie, Shannon and Brandon Smith. He outlived all of his brothers and sisters. Two memorial services are planned but no dates set because of the pandemic. We will keep family and friends appraised of the situation. We ask that in Lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart fund or to Alzheimer’s research be given. Interment is private. For more info please call 708-456-8300.