James Diehl

James A. Diehl, 77, of Forsyth, MO passed away on April 23, 2012 suddenly at his home. Memorial and graveside services will be scheduled at a later time.

James Arnold Diehl was born on March 21, 1935 at Curlew, IA. He was the son of Henry Orville and Bonnie (Eklund) Diehl. James attended school at Britt, IA and graduated with the class of 1953. While in school, James participated in band, football, basketball, and many other extra curricular activities. Following graduation he attended the University of Iowa Henry Africa Linotype School.

On November 20, 1953 James was united in marriage to Darlene Faye Knudson at Britt United Methodist Church. Following graduation from linotype school, James and Darlene moved to Odeboldt, IA where James worked for a year at the Odeboldt Chronicle. He then worked at the Britt News Tribune for five years. In July of 1960 James moved to Dayton, IA where he worked at the Dayton Review Newspaper.

The Diehl family joined James in January 1961. James and Darlene purchased the Dayton Review Newspaper on July 1, 1961. While publishing the newspaper the Diehls were involved in many community activities. James served on the Dayton Volunteer Fire Department and Dayton Rodeo and Celebration Committee for 20 years. James was also a member of the Dayton Community Club, Dayton Country Club, Dayton Development Group, and for many years covered activities in the communities of Boxholm, Burnside, Dayton, Harcourt, Lehigh, Pilot Mound and Stratford. The Diehls published the newspaper for 40 years selling the business in February 2001. The couple were the eighth publishers of the newspaper.

The Diehl family were members of Emanual Lutheran Church where James and Darlene sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. James also served on the church board, Iowa Lutheran Cursillo and Riverside Bible Camp boards. Through the Cursillo James helped in ministry at Fort Madison, Mount Pleasant, and Rockwell City Prisons.

Later in 2001 the Diehls purchased a home at Forsyth, MO. The Diehls loved the Ozarks and had vacationed in the area since 1975. The couple enjoyed camping and family activities. A highlight for the couple was a 45-day 4,000 mile trip through Mexico in 2005.