Published in the June 27, 2008 edition of NCNNews.com.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Monday, June 23, 2008

David Diehl, executive pastor of the Colorado Springs First Church of the Nazarene and son of General Superintendent James H. and Dorothy Diehl, passed away at 9:20 A.M. (Mountain) Monday, June 23, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

He is survived by his wife, Lori, and young daughters Lexi and Dani.

A memorial/celebration service was held on Thursday, June 26, at Colorado Springs First Church. Early Friday afternoon, a funeral service took place at Denver First Church.

During the Friday service, Dr. Diehl delivered the following:

“Reflections of David from Dad Diehl's Heart”

David Dwayne Diehl

David Dwayne Diehl was born November 19, 1962, in Des Moines, Iowa. His parents, Rev. Jim and Dorothy Diehl, were pastors of the Nazarene Church in Indianola, Iowa. David and his brother, Don, being born in Iowa, became the two “Hawkeyes” of the four Diehl children. David lived for 45 years when on June 23, 2008, Jesus came and carried him from his bed of cancer afflictions to his beautiful heavenly home. 

Dave lived in Indianola and Oskaloosa, Iowa; Olathe, Kansas; Stone Mountain, Georgia; Hastings, Nebraska; Denver, Colorado; Portland and Salem, Oregon; and Colorado Springs, Colorado.

He is a graduate of Hastings, Nebraska, High School and MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, where he received his B.A. in business administration. He married the love of his life, Lori Hinze, on May 23, 1985. He was employed in banking for 14 years and as an executive pastor in Nazarene churches for 10 years. 

David Diehl loved sports, especially racquetball and golf. He also enjoyed the mountains of Colorado, the rocky coast of Oregon (especially a certain huge rock near Depot Bay, Oregon), and the Diehl cabin in St. Mary’s Glacier, Colorado. 

He and Lori seemed to make lifetime friends at every location where they lived and worked, including his last assignment at Colorado Springs First Church of the Nazarene. He deeply loved his wife, Lori, and his two special daughters, Lexi and Dani. Those three ladies were absolutely his best friends and the focus of his affections. He passionately loved and was committed to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

One of Dave’s toughest struggles during the last several months of his earthly life was the realization that unless God would bring a miracle of healing, he wouldn’t live to provide for his daughters’ college education. Even though they are only 9 and 7 in age, Dave had already started saving for that future event. Therefore, Lori and the family have established the “David Diehl Trust Fund” where friends and family can help David fulfill this dream for his daughters.*

THANK YOU to dozens upon dozens of people for all they have done for David Diehl during his two year fight with melanoma cancer. The list of those who have helped Dave and Lori with their sacrificial gifts of time, money, labor, expertise, prayers, and support would fill the pages of a large book. Thank you again – and God bless you richly!

David Diehl is now safely home in his eternal dwelling place prepared for him by Jesus Christ himself. He never again will experience pain, misery, suffering, nor tears. The battle is over. Freedom has come! Because of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, David won! To God be the glory for the 45 years David was given to live among us and to touch our lives in hundreds of positive ways. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”  Romans 8:18.  Thanks be unto God!

For the last 48 hours of his life Dave was surrounded by his family, Jim and Dorothy Diehl, parents; Jodi Gitt (and Bernie), Jim Jr., Don (and Diann) Diehl, sister and brothers; Gene and Sue Hinze, father and mother-in-law; Debbie Perry, sister in law; loving wife Lori, and two daughters Lexi and Dani. It seems fitting that since family was so vitally important to Dave and Lori he was surrounded by the immediate family members plus close friends from Colorado Springs First Church of the Nazarene, during his final hours on earth.

*Gifts for the "David Diehl Trust Fund" can be sent to:

Members Federal Credit Union
Attention:  David Diehl Trust Fund
6 Abilene Street
Aurora, Colorado 80011

Phone: 303-755-2572

Condolences can be sent to:

Lori Diehl 
5502 Wyatt Earp Way
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923

Dr. and Mrs. James Diehl
P. O. Box 36227
Denver, Colorado 80236-0227