Orland Wilfred Diefenbach, 90 years, of Algoma, was called home to his Savior on Friday March 13, 2026.
He was born December 7, 1935 in Algoma the son of the late Henry Louis and Edna Mathilda Alvina (Wilke) Diefenbach. He attended St. Paul's Day school. Orland was confirmed on May 1950. After his graduation from Algoma High School in 1954, Orland served his country in the U.S. Army Company C 3D Battalion communications unit as a wireman stationed at Wertheim, Germany. Upon his honorable discharge in 1960, Orland continued his service with the Army Reserves.
He was eager to help his grandfather, Henry Wilke on the farm and his uncle Walter Wilke with his business. Before entering the Army, Orland worked for his uncle Walter Wilke, where he learned the carpenter trade, a talent he enjoyed throughout his life. He was discharged in 1960 and went to work for US Plywood until 1972. It was at this time he took a course for small engine repair and loved putzing on his and others small engines.In 1977 he went to work for Bay Ship and retired there after nearly 30 years.
Orland was a lover of the outdoors, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and especially his dear brother. Together with friends they shared a cabin in Rusk County and eventually took over the cabin belonging to Art Wilke at Lily Pad Lake in Forest County. The cabin in Rusk County sold in 1975. After retiring, time was spent working around his home.
Surviving family includes his brother, Ken and sister, Beverly; cousins; and Don Diefenbach's children, James and Debbie Stocco, and Allen and Cindy Diefenbach. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Edna; 1/2 siblings, Donald, Elvira Malgelle, and Eunice Diefenbach.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday March 20, 2026 at Schinderle Funeral Home with Pastor Joel McKenney officiating. Entombment will be at Shrine of the Good Shepherd, Nicolet Memorial Gardens.
Friends may call on Friday at Schinderle Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Sign online guestbook and leave condolences at schinderlefuneralhome.com
