Thomas Diehl Obituary

Fr. Diehl gave me my first job as a houseboy at the Jesuit Provincial's residence back in the 60's. He and several other Jesuits mentored me throughout high school. Fr. Diehl was a wonderful man and a very special priest who was always helping kids find their way during those turbulent times.

Father Diehl Was my fathers teacher at St. ignatious college prep. My dad loved him and he truely inspired me in my young and adult life, My younger brother was named Thomas Diehl after him. He died at 25 and father Thomas Diehl was there to comfort my family in our time of need, he also married me and was a true mentor in taking the path of following Christ. My Oldest daughter just graduated from St. Ignatius and I am truly proud of the legacy that brought us there.

Tom is still very much missed by those who loved him. He will always be in our prayers.

He was so very kind to everyone. He always said to do the "loving thing"

I met Fr. Tom Diehl at Milford, and he will always be part of my memories of the Spiritual Center. He graciously bore a debilitating illness with courage and dignity. He was an inspiration to me, a gentle, loving man with a love of nature, and the plantings showed the care of his "green thumb". I will miss him.

Tom Diehl was one of the best Scholastics we had at St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, ca. 1945-47, a good man and a real man and the boys appreciated him. May he R.I.P.

I remember one afternoon when I had an appointment with Fr. Tom at St. Xavier Church. After our meeting, he excitedly showed me the newly renovated church. He had a sparkle; a gleam in his eye. Oh, he wasn't celebrating the renovation. Father was excited that people would come in and experience Christ anew. If ever there was a Priest who modeled the Society of Jesus, it was Fr. Tom Diehl, SJ. I miss you.

Tom was a very special; brother for me. He married us, he baptized all our children, he baptized all of the grandchildren. (28) He was especially wonderful and understanding to the wayward ones in the 60"s and 70's and always listened and loved but was not condescending. That was his greatest love.

So passes a great man. Rest in Peace Uncle Tom.

December 8, 2006

Father Tom was my Dad's (Leo Bishop)mentor. He came to know Fr. Tom when he was at St. Ignatius High School. He always said Fr. Tom was the reason he didn't flunk out! Father married my Dad and Mom, baptized me, and was a wonderful friend and guide throughout my father's life. We will miss him

Cathy Jozwiak

Fr Tom Diehl, or "Uncle Tom" as I know him, stands out most in my mind as a warm, kind and loving human being. He was there for me and my family during rough times,like when my mother died. He always offered kindness, comfort and support. I will always love and remember you, Uncle Tom.

Uncle Tom was a wonderful Uncle full of life and love, Although we miss him deeply, we know that he has reached his life's goal of heaven.

Tom Diehl - friend, model, gentle and peaceful comrade. Many people and many places are better because of your gentle force and forceful genleness.

Father Diehl always made me feel like I was valuable member of the St. Francis Xavier Church. As a wheelchair user; I appreciated the improvements he made for disability access. I was able to be active in the parish community. I served as a lector for about 4 years. Fr. Diehl was very helpful when my husband passed away in 1988. I will miss him.

Fr. Diehl helped my wife, Vicki, and me prepare ourselves for marriage, and was the principal celebrant at our wedding mass Thanksgiving weekend 1988, in Cincinnati. His communications with us were sensible, spiritual, and consistently understated. He was a wonderful Jesuit priest, whose ministry will continue to bear fruit. I know he had great pride in, and love for, his extended family.

I remember Fr. Diehl as one who truely cared about how I was doing. He repeatedly stressed to me God's Love.
He spoke much about ridding our society of prejudice.
He was indeed a man of God!

Fr Diehl touched our lives and was a wonderful source of spiritual advise to us. We will miss him tremendously. Our sincere condolences to his family and mainly his sister Judy.

Uncle Tom was a very generous and wonderful man. We will truly miss him but know that he has acheived his ultimate goal and is with Jesus.

i am sorry about your recent family death

The Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus remembers Thomas Diehl with affection for his 69 years of service and is grateful to the many friends and benefactors who helped make that service possible.