Michael Ralph Diefendorf, 72, of Galesburg, died at 3:59 a.m. Thursday, October 8, 2020 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
Mike was born October 28, 1947 in Galesburg. He graduated from GHS in 1965. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1967 and was discharged in 1968. He attended Carl Sandburg College. He worked for a short time for the C.B.&Q. Railroad and Iowa Malleable eventually getting in the amusement business where he spent a majority of his career travelling around the US. He spent the last few years working at a factory in Rochelle, then retired. In Mikes younger years, he drove a cab in Galesburg during the winter months. Mike was a top-notch cook, enjoyed reading, and his cats. He enjoyed socializing with his many friends in Galesburg.
Mike married Vicki K. Blaine on November 14, 1992 in Galesburg; she survives. He is also survived by two daughters; several grandchildren; one brother, David (Jodi) Diefendorf of Galesburg; one sister, Laura (Rick) Rushing of Galesburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley; his birth father, Ralph Fredrickson; his adopted father, Robert Diefendorf; and his step-father, Oscar “Eric” Erickson; as well as his maternal grandparents A.F. and Dorothy Sackey.
Cremation will be accorded and no services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made in Michael’s memory to the Knox County Humane Society or to Guardian Angels Humane Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
