John Diener

John F. Diener of Franklin, Nebraska, was born on July 31, 1933, at Macon, Nebraska, to Focke and Katherine (Miller) Diener as Johnie Diener. He passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2016, at Franklin Rehabilitation and Care Center, Franklin, Nebraska, at the age of 83 years, 2 months, and 29 days.

Johnie was educated in the Macon Public School thru the 8th grade. He worked on the family farm until the death of his parents. He took up mowing yards and working for Rightway Grocery as a stockman and in the produce department for 25 years. When John started working at Rightway Grocery, everyone in the store became his family.

John was a supporter of the Franklin Flyers sport teams, especially the basketball, football and volleyball teams. He was named "Fan of the Year" in 2003. The teams provided much encouragement to John during his health issues he was experiencing at that time. In his younger years, John enjoyed the drive-in movies with friends and dances that were put on by the Macon Lions' Club. He was a very social man, and appreciated anyone who was willing to give him a ride to activities.

John was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters - Mary Fox, Tillie Goracke, Flora Forden Greisen, Louise Jensen, Leta Mae Diener, and Gladys Diener; two brothers - Habbe Diener and Earl Diener; and a nephew - Dennis Sasse. He is survived by; brother-in-law - Billy Jensen of Alma, Nebraska; nieces - Kathy and husband, Randy Witt of Juniata, Nebraska, Joyce and husband, Dale Bretton of Phillipsburg, Kansas, Veronica and husband, William Yowell of Lovell, Wyoming, Rogene and husband, Albert Oyler, of Smithfield, Nebraska, Katherine and husband, Trent Lierman of Grand Island, Nebraska, Judy Wade, Of Upland, Nebraska; niece-in-law - Diane Sasse of Lincoln, Nebraska; nephews - Jim Forden of Hastings, Nebraska, Harvey Goracke of Phillipsburg, Kansas, Dale and wife, Deb Jensen of Alma, Nebraska, Gary and wife, Sharon Jensen of Wilcox, Nebraska, and John Jensen of Lincoln, Nebraska; and special friends - Cathy and husband, Don Webber and family, Franklin, Nebraska, ( John lived the apartment house across from the courthouse, as well as Don and Cathy, and everyone else who he thought of as family who lived there); and a host of other relatives and family friends.

John was a happy go lucky person. He enjoyed playing cards and bingo for a pastime. He also had the best produce in Franklin County.

A celebration of life service for John F. Diener, was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2016, at the Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska, with Pastor Kasey Loschen officiating. Mrs. Connie Kahrs was the organist, and Mrs. Terri Bach was the soloist. The hymns were "The Old Rugged Cross," "How Great Thou Art,' and "On Eagles Wings." Casket bearers were - Jim Forden, Dale Jensen, John Jensen, Verlin Obering, Stu Wilsman, and Dave Duncan. Interment was in the Macon Lutheran Cemetery, Macon, Nebraska. The family will name a charity at a later date for the memorial donation. Online condolences can be left at www.hutchinsfh.com. Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska was in charge of arrangements.