Galen Diehl

Galen C. Diehl, 77, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026.

Born on Christmas Day, 1948 in Wichita, Kansas, Galen lived a life of hard work, quiet resilience, and a love for the outdoors. Galen grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where he graduated from West High School in 1967 before serving his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He attended Wichita State University and had a long and varied career in agriculture. He served as a president of the Rocky Mountain Bean Dealers Association. He earned his private pilot’s license and took great pride in his small Cessna. He was a proud Freemason. He married Julie Whitham on November 1st, 1980 and together they welcomed two children. Galen had a trademark laugh, and he used it often when gathered in the company of his family and friends. He loved the Colorado Rocky Mountains and relished the few years he got to make them his home. In his youth, he enjoyed raising Cain at the Cassoday rodeo with the buddies he kept close for a lifetime. He loved to take his family skiing, pheasant hunting with his son and riding horses with his daughter. Later in life, he was happiest enjoying the outdoors hiking alongside his beloved sister Debbie, with one of his faithful dogs at his side.

He is survived by his daughter, Audrey Critz of Atlanta, Georgia; his son, Matthew Diehl of Castle Rock, Colorado; his sister, Debbie Haydon of Derby, Kansas; his half-sister, Diana Hoffman of Amarillo, Texas; six grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved aunt and second mother, Marjorie Northcutt; his brothers Charles Diehl and Dennis Devore; and several deeply loved dogs who were faithful companions throughout his life.

Galen will be laid to rest with full military honors at a graveside service at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Winfield, Kansas, on Tuesday, May 19th at 10am.