Robert Eugene Diehm

Robert Eugene Diehm (1936-2015)

Robert Eugene Diehm, aged 79, of Gleneden Beach, Oregon, passed away on September 28th, 2015, at home in the loving care and companionship of his family.

Robert, known by all as “Bob”, was born on January 16th, 1936, in Boise, Idaho. His parents were Ray and Bernice Diehm, of Nampa, Idaho. Bob was raised as an only child, so had the complete attention and love of his parents.

Growing up In Nampa, Idaho, he went through the Nampa School system and graduated from Nampa High School in 1954. He had many friends, enjoyed sports, and played trombone in the bands.

After high school, at age 18, Bob went to work for Union Pacific Railroad (where he was employed until he retired!) His profession progressed from clerk, to yardmaster, to engineer, which he enjoyed immensely.

In 1957, he met and married the love of his life, Grace Elaine Purdum, of Kuna, Idaho. Settling in Nampa, Bob and Grace, a nurse, started a family and gave birth to 4 boys: Robert, Ronald, Rodney, and Richard.

Bob was a member of Nampa First Church of the Nazarene, and was involved in the life of the church community, including pitching on the church’s fast-pitch softball team.

Bob loved his family, his work and friends, and loved being outdoors. He was at home camping and had a passion to fish. He was involved with the lives and interests of his boys and made a lasting impression on them with his care, attention, generosity, and love.

Upon his retirement from Union Pacific, he and Grace moved to one of their favorite places in the world, the Oregon Coast, where they lived first in Depoe Bay, and then in their present residence in Gleneden Beach. They became members of the Lincoln City Church of the Nazarene, where they developed some of the truly special friendships of their lives. Bob was a tireless and loyal part of the church community, serving in many capacities, including as a board member and building committee member. Bob and Grace were honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Church of the Nazarene, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a member of the church community.

In September of 2015, Bob and Grace celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary, as they continually over the years were an example of what it means to live in loving partnership with God in the center.

Bob is survived by his wife, Grace, his sons: Robert and his wife Lisa and sons Sage and Cortland of Nampa, Idaho; Rodney and his wife Elaine and children Carolanne, Brandon, April, and Samantha, of Portland, Oregon; and Richard, of Gleneden Beach, Oregon, and his daughter Ashley and her husband, Rod Ducharme, of Lakewood, Washington, along with many beloved extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Bernice Diehm, and son, Ronald.

Bob’s faith in Christ was the strong foundation of his life and love, and continues to be so in his present residence!

There will be a celebration of life service to be held at the Lincoln City Church of the Nazarene, Lincoln City, Oregon, at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 3rd. Memorial gifts and contributions can be made to the Lincoln City Church of the Nazarene Building Fund.

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