Obituary of Donald L. Diehl

Donald Lee Diehl, age 94, of Coralville, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His energy for life will be missed.

Don was born in Boone, Iowa, on June 11, 1932, to Clarence Scott Diehl and Lovera Christine Rosene Diehl. Don was the youngest of three children, having an older sister Barbara Jean Waychoff and an older brother David Scott Diehl.

Upon graduating from high school, Don enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. Don was stationed in the Philippines during the Korean War and served honorably until his discharge in 1954.

Through the GI Bill, Don attended the University of Iowa, where he received his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor degree. Don joined the Iowa State Bar in 1960 and practiced law in the Coralville/Iowa City area for 64 years before retiring in 2025. One of Don’s proudest accomplishments was having the honor of serving as the City Attorney of Coralville for 63 years. Don also maintained a private practice throughout his professional career and felt privileged to provide legal services to multiple generations of clients who invariably became good friends.

Don was married to his beloved wife Shirley for thirty-seven wonderful years. Don had three children Kirsten Diehl, Stacey Diehl Smith, and BJ Diehl; two stepdaughters Kathy Mallie and Kim Broulik; nine grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, and one of his great-granddaughters.

Don was a lifelong collector of classic cars, coins, firearms, and antiques and spent many years travelling the country with his wife, Shirley and son, BJ enjoying the “thrill of the hunt.” During these travels, Don made countless friends from all walks of life, all of whom shared his passion for collecting and enjoyed his infectious good humor.

Don believed in living every day to its fullest. Don worked hard, played hard, and was always ready to laugh. Don’s generosity of spirit, intelligence, and bottomless supply of good humor will be sorely missed and long remembered.

As Donald bravely fought cancer at the end of his life, the family requests that, instead of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society via https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/campaign/Donald-Diehl-American-Cancer-Society-Memorial-Contributions

In lieu of immediate services, a celebration of life will take place in the coming months. If you wish to attend, please send your contact information to donald.diehl.celebrationoflife@gmail.com. Thank you for your continued love and support during this time.   To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.