"Lit a candle in memory of John William Diehl"
In loving memory of
John William Diehl
July 8, 1968 - August 14, 2017
John William Diehl was bigger than life. He loved big adventures, far-reaching ideas, and groundbreaking technology. In 49 fast years, John dedicated countless hours in service to Jesus Christ and His boundless grace and mercy the biggest idea of all.
John was active in church activities and service organizations from a young age. In high school, he co-founded Sidewalk Sunday School, a church-based afterschool program for at-risk youth. During his college years at the University of Illinois, he led Bible studies as a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. His life was marked by personal, engaging experiences, from live music in his adventures through SXSW to local technology meetups. He and his wife, Meg, have left a deep imprint in the lives of many at Gateway Austin through their hospitality, leadership, and service both within the body of Christ and the Austin community at large.
John was destined to be an entrepreneur and CEO, but he was always an engineer at heart. He flew all over the world to make business deals for PrairieComm, Black Sand, and AjnaVR, with dozens of careers on his shoulders, but almost nothing could keep him from hands-on creation, in the lab or in the garage or on a laptop. After beginning his career at Motorola, he received a M.S.E.E. from IIT and earned several patents throughout his lifes work. He died in the Gulf of Mexico pursuing an exciting new business venture based on technology that promises to expand our visibility and experiences of the world around us.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Meg; his children, J.R., Scott, Henry, Sarah, and Grace; his parents, John and Jean; his sisters Amy Rienow (Rob) and Emily Anderson (Luke); ten nieces & nephews; and Mosby the beagle.
In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a college fund for Johns children at https://www.youcaring.com/jrscotthenrysarahandgracediehl-906415.
Tributes
"Lit a candle in memory of John William Diehl"
"Our codolences to the whole Diehl family. May you find the peace and strength from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Sherry found the news from WCHS and told us all about the passing of that smart little boy whom I still remember. Chi and Betty Lin (Your old neighbor in the Brentwood neighborhood) Wheaton, Illinois."
"Meg, I am so terrible sad to hear this news. May John always rest in peace and may GOD wrap his loving arms around you and your family to help you through this difficult time. You will be in my prayers!"
"Years ago at PrairieComm, I told Jack that I felt like John and I had a lot in common. John was an engineer. I was an engineer also. John was married with three sons. I was married with three sons also. John wanted his sons to grow up just like him. I wanted my sons to grow up just like him also."
"I am so sorry to hear about John's passing I have not kept in contact with him since high school, but have very great memories of a wonderful person! He was always positive and caring. May you feel God's presence as you mourn the loss of a great person."
"Jeannie and John our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the Lord comfort you at this time and give you strength and peace."
"We are actively praying for your entire family to sense God's presence and to experience His peace in the days, months and years ahead. Mark & Christine Erickson"
"Jean and John my thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Such tragedies are so difficult to understand..may the Lord some how comfort you during this time and give you strength like only he can."
"Meg and family--We have you in our thoughts and prayers. The DeHaans"
"Meg and family, I grieve your loss and am praying for our Lord's comfort to envelope and overwhelm you today, and in the days to come. We are Austin Oaks Church are interceding in prayer for you during this most difficult season. Pastor Don Read, Austin Oaks Church."