Artin Diedrich

Artin R. Diedrich, age 78, of Alexandria, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at his home.

Funeral services are 11 a.m., Saturday, March 11, 2017, at St. James Lutheran Church, South Effington with Rev. Dennis Angland officiating.  Music is provided by organist, Vicki Schauland.  Burial will take place at the church cemetery with full military honors accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard and the Alexandria American Legion Post #87.

Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church.

Artin Richard Diedrich was born April 3, 1938, to Herbert and Violet (Freudenberg) Diedrich at home in Leaf Valley Township.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church, South Effington.  He attended Willow Creek Country School District #53, through the eighth grade. Following his education, he helped on the family farm until being drafted into the U.S. Army where he was stationed at Point Barrow, Alaska.  Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Alexandria where he worked as an apprentice plumber. After earning his masters in plumbing, Artin worked in Minnesota, North and South Dakota on commercial construction. Family was always important to Artin and in his earlier years, he was fond of his Mercury and enjoyed taking his younger siblings for rides.  Due to injuries sustained in a fall, Artin spent a year recuperating at the St. Cloud VA Hospital before returning to Alexandria. Artin was a member of St. James Lutheran Church and former member of the Alexandria American Legion Post #87.  He enjoyed playing cards, snowmobiling, motorcycling and visiting with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Kenneth, Norman and Rueben.

Artin is survived by his six brothers, Oscar Diedrich of Conrad, Montana, Daniel Diedrich of Garfield, David Diedrich of New Castle, Colorado, Donald Diedrich of Garfield, Dale Diedrich and Bert Diedrich both of Parkers Prairie; six sisters, Darlene Swenson of Alexandria, Lois Johnson of Parkers Prairie, Jane Pflugradt of Garfield, Lorraine (Ron) Anderson of Cottage Grove, Delphine (Jim) Farley of Waseca and Carol (Dean) Hollatz of Parkers Prairie; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great great-nieces and great great-nephews.

Pallbearers are his family.