Michael Diekhans

Michael Aloysius Diekhans passed away from cancer, peacefully at his home with his family on the morning of Sunday, May 1, 2016.Mike was born in Great Falls, Montana to Al and Cecilia Diekhans on October 15, 1967. Mike grew up helping his dad on the farm north of Great Falls, while he attended Our Lady of Lourdes and Great Falls High School, graduating in 1986. While a Bison, he was a standout cornerback on the football team and point guard on the basketball team. Mike attended Gonzaga University where he earned his accounting degree. He had a large and close group of friends and was a loyal and enthusiastic Zags fan. He was able to attend a game at the Kennel in February with his father and sister, fellow Zag, Theresa.In 1992, he reconnected with a high school friend, Lisa Baroch, who was the love of his life. They married on June 25, 1994 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. They moved to Great Falls where they started their beautiful family and Mike went to work for Douglas Wilson CPA, where he later became one of the partners. They eventually built a house on the family farm.Mikes loves were Jesus Christ, his family, and sports. He dedicated his life to all and always put everything he had into what he loved. Mike was involved in Our Lady of Lourdes and Central Catholic High School, where he served as head of the board for years. Mike also coached his kids in basketball and loved listening to Kody, Katie, and Nick play the piano and sing. In the last few years, he enjoyed playing tennis with Nick. In 2010, Caleb completed the family and they enjoyed wrestling and riding bikes together. One of his greatest wishes came true this past December, when Kody and Katie sang the National Anthem together at a Central Mustang game.He was an avid and proficient golfer and spent many years on the mens Wednesday night league at Eagle Falls. Mike was a member of the Knights of Columbus where he reached the rank of 4th degree Knight and was the Responsible for the Neocatechumenal Way in Great Falls.While Mike is in Jesuss loving arms, he has left many family and friends who will always remember Mikes loyalty, passion, love and dedication to all he committed to.Mike is survived by his wife, Lisa; children Kody (20), Katie (18), Nick (15), and Caleb (5); father Al Diekhans; siblings Michelle (Greg) Stubbs, Angie Dowson, Steve (Cindy) Diehkans of Bothell, WA, Theresa Diekhans, Karen Diekhans (Jim Zaremski) and Stacy (Casey) Kingsland; in-laws Jim and Susy Baroch; brother-in-law John (Chrissy) Baroch; nieces and nephews, Nicole and Tori Dowson, Megan and Levi Stubbs, Justin and Miranda Diekhans, Ella Kingsland, Madison and Jake Baroch; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and good friends.He was preceded in death by his mother, Cecilia Diekhans; nephew Derek Dowson; brother-in-law John Dowson; grandparents Aloys and Helen Diekhans and Gabe and Ann Kuntz.Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Schnider Funeral Home. A vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 5 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. The funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 6, 2016 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Donations to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 409 13th St. S., Great Falls, MT 59405 or Embark Credit Union account: Benefit of Lisa Diekhans Family, PO Box 2649, Great Falls, MT 59401.