Dennis John Diederich

February 10, 1945 - February 14, 2026

Dennis John Diederich “Denny” died Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the age of 81. Denny was one of seven children born to Julius “Dulie” and Mae (Weaver) Diederich on February 10, 1945, in Dresden, Kansas. Denny grew up in Selden and attended Selden Elementary School and Selden Rural High School. He worked at the HI-WAY Café, a restaurant his mother owned in Selden as a fry cook until he graduated from high school. He then attended US Trade School in Kansas City to become an auto mechanic. Upon graduation he moved to Colby where he was employed by EC Riley Motor Company.

Denny met the love of his life after moving to Colby, a young lady by the name of Sandy Huelsmann, also from Selden. Their connection was immediate, and they formed a bond that would last a lifetime and bring immeasurable joy to their family. On November 26, 1966, they were united in marriage at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby, Kansas. Their union was filled with devotion, laughter, and steadfast support for one another through all of life’s ups and downs.

In 1967 he went to basic training for the National Guard Army and specialized in Wheel and Tracks and was awarded the Army Sharpshooter Rifle M-14 badge. He also served as a cook during his service on weekends. While away at basic training his first-born baby girl was born on July 26, 1967, and was named Kimberly Ann. Though he couldn’t hold her until three months later, the overwhelming love he felt for his daughter and growing family was ever-present in his heart. During this time, he also worked for his father-in-law John Huelsmann building houses and learning valuable skills that he would later use to build their family home, a true labor of love for those he cherished most. In July of 1968 he began a career with Kansas Nebraska Natural Gas Company (KN Energy) and continued in that line of work until he retired in 2005 at the age of 60. During the early years of his career with the gas company, he also became the father of three wonderful sons, Brian, Dustin and Darius, each of whom brought him immense pride, happiness and maybe a few trials along the way.

In his spare time, Denny loved fishing, hunting, golfing, having coffee with the guys and spending time with his family. He found joy in life’s simple moments and was deeply grateful for the laughter, companionship, and memories shared with those he loved. In his earlier years, he enjoyed playing basketball for a local men’s team called the UKKER Brothers. He was a member of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus. Denny was also a big fan of Kansas City Chiefs Football, Kansas State Wildcats Football and KU Basketball and never missed watching a game, often sharing his enthusiasm with family and friends.

Denny and Sandy resided in Colby all their married life, building a home filled with love, warmth, and lasting memories. His unconditional love, unwavering support, and guidance shaped the lives of his four children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Denny leaves to mourn his passing his beloved wife, Sandra “Sandy” Jean Diederich of Colby, Kansas; daughter, Kim Diederich of Omaha, Nebraska; sons, Brian Diederich (Migi) of Henderson, Nevada, Dustin Diederich of Atwood, Kansas and Darius Diederich of Gardner, Kansas; sister, Darla Zerr (Albert) of Hoxie, Kansas; grandchildren, Tasha Reeves of Scottsdale, Arizona (Kim), Lauren Diederich, Overland Park, Kansas (Darius), Riley Diederich, Overland Park, Kansas (Darius), Talen Doro (Dustin) and Brandi Engelbrecht, of Atwood, Kansas (Dustin); and many friends and relatives, whose lives were brighter for having known him.

He was preceded in death by parents, Julius “Dulie” and Ellen Maebelle “Mae” (Weaver) Diederich; sisters, Marlene "Molly" Brin, Leona “Butch” Clark, Janet Laevenstein and brothers Dale Diederich and Jerry “Gabby” Diederich. Though he is gone, the love and gratitude felt for him will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

The family will receive friends from beginning at 9:00 a.m., with a Rosary at 10:00 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby, Kansas with interment following the service in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The family has chosen the Thomas County Community Foundation as the memorial. Memorials may be mailed to Baalmann Mortuary; PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Words of comfort may be left at baalmannmortuary.com