Peter Diederich Jr

Peter J. Diederich Jr., 79, of Ottawa passed away Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Ottawa Regional Hospital and Healthcare. Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:00 Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at St. Patrick's Church with Rev. Philip Halfacre officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 - 7:00 Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at Ottawa Funeral Home with prayers at 4:30. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery. Peter was born May 20, 1931 in Ottawa, Illinois to Peter and Anna (Briscoe) Diederich Sr. He married Dorothy Lee Battles on October 6, 1951 at St. Patrick's Church in Ottawa. He retired from LOF in 1990 after 42 years of service his most recent position was the manager of payroll. He was an avid motorcyclist. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church, Knight's of Columbus, and Illinois Valley Idlers Club. He volunteered at St. Patrick's Church. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, two sons; Mark (Barbara) of Ottawa and Kurt (Patsy) of Oliver Springs, TN.; one daughter, Deborah (Jim) Patarozzi of Ottawa; one brother, Gene (Jean) Diederich; two sister in laws, Betty Lou Diederich and Jane (Robert) Grieff; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by four brothers, Ralph, Jerry (Bernice), John Jack', and Edward (Betty) Diederich; and one sister, Rita Mullen. Pallbearers will be grandchildren; Christopher Diederich, Brian Bare, Mathew Haley, Curtis Haley, Jordan Diederich; his longtime LOF friends, Robert Schinz, and Edward Ryan. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bradley and Brittany Bare, Jessa (Diederich) Teague, and Diedra Diederich. Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick's Church or to the family.