Jerold “Jerry” Dewayne Diehl, 80, of Salina, Kansas, passed away July 22, 2026. Jerry was born November 1, 1945, to Paul and Velma (Gustafson) Diehl in Salina, Kansas.

Jerry attended school at Brookville/ Tescott, KS, Graduating in 1963. From there he attended meat cutting school in Wichita, KS. He worked butchering, packaging and selling beef. He and his two brothers then started “Diehl’s Quality Meats”. He was recruited by George Cardinal with Graves VanLines and worked in sales. He acquired his pilots license which took him to numerous places to present bids for Graves VanLines. He managed and operated an office in Bonner Springs, KS. While traveling between Salina and Bonner Springs, he met his wife Judy (Lewis) Diehl in Topeka, KS. He married Judy in 1976. Ten years later they had their greatest joy, Kalyn Brady Lewis Diehl. Jerry coached multiple sports to include football, basketball, and baseball, and was a father figure to all. While coaching he also ran a successful foundation repair business for over 50 years. He loved his family to include his 3 granddaughters; Amaylee, Kinslee, and Whitlee. He loved to fish with Amaylee, go to horse shows with Kinslee, wash dishes and play games with Whitlee. His concern for others was exceptional in business, health, and everyday life. Repairing and building foundations , whether a house or a person, applied to everyday life for Jerry. He passed preparing for the next day. He will be remembered and missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Velma Diehl; and his brothers, Ronald Diehl, and Paul Diehl.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Diehl; son, Kalyn (Elizabeth) Diehl and three grandchildren: Amaylee, Kinslee and Whitlee.

A visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St. Salina, Kansas.

A funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 1, at Grace Baptist Church, 400 E Crawford St, Salina, Kansas.

Burial will take place following the service at Prairie Mound Cemetery, 2978 Ave A, Brookville, KS 67425.

Memorials can be made to Grace Baptist Church, 400 East Crawford Salina, KS 67401, in care of Ryan Mortuary.