John Henry Diener

John Henry “Hank” Diener, Jr., 82, of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2008, at his home. A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M. on Wednesday December 10, 2008 at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. John was born on March 13, 1926 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. John worked in the construction industry for many years as a sheet metal worker. He was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local Union No. 20 since 1963. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting with his buddies. He was a fixture on the St. Joseph River and pier. He enjoyed collecting antique tools and mentoring youths in sports and fishing. He coached for many years in the St. Joseph Elks softball league. He will be missed by his “Breakfast Club” family at Thornton’s Home Town Cafe. John is survived by his two sisters, Ruth Hanson of Stevensville, MI and Betty Saenz of South Bend, IN. He was also survived by his three brothers, Thomas (Ellen) Diener of Berrien Springs, MI; Edwin (Mary Louise) Diener of St. Joseph, MI and Samuel L. (Peggy) Diener of Prescott, AZ. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Diener Sr., his mother Louise (Brick) Diener and one brother Carl Diener.