Harlan Ray Diehl, 88, of Freeport, passed away Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021 at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford. He was born March 31, 1933 in Freeport to Merle and Edith (DeWall) Diehl.
On Feb. 21, 1952 he married Lola Mae Duitsman at Prairie Dell Church in Shannon. Lola Mae passed away Aug. 26, 2011. Harlan was a lifelong farmer. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Forreston. He enjoyed going to the Freeport Raceway with his brother Mervin, dirt track and NASCAR racing, attending live music shows and traveling, especially to Branson, Mo.
He is survived by his daughter Debra (John) Gitz of Freeport; son Terry (Karen) Diehl of Forreston; two sisters Bernita Runte of Freeport, and Violet Frederick of Freeport; four grandchildren Scott (Christine) Gitz, Tim (Kari) Gitz, Tony Diehl, and Todd (Jami) Diehl; six great-grandchildren Violet Diehl, Lily Diehl, Jalayna Diehl, Hannah Gitz, Jazlyn Diehl, and Phoenix Diehl; and special friend Glenda Carter of Machesney Park.
Preceding Harlan in death are his parents, wife, and brother Mervin.
Funeral services were 1 p.m. Monday, No. 22, 2021 at First United Methodist Church in Forreston with Pastor Sung-Eun Kim officiating. A visitation was held from noon until the time of service. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in Harlan’s memory.
