Samuel Karl Diehl

1977  –  2025

Entered eternal life Friday, June 20, 2025 at the age of 47.  Beloved son of Karen and the late Jeffrey S. Diehl. Loving brother of Jessica Diehl and Kjerstin Diehl.  Further survived by other relatives and friends.

Samuel was charismatic.  His magnetic smile and his impish, pure-hearted nature were our delight.  Always curious and a small but determined rebel force, he was very much loved and loving.  His life brought out the best in people.

As a boy he loved to make art, to sing and dance.  He was a curator like his father.  Any collection of his had to include every piece in the series, but his favorites were dinosaurs and dragons.  His Grandma Walle was his champion and his sister, Kjerstin, was his best friend.

God has blessed Samuel with so many special people that have given of themselves in order to make his life better.

The first was his pediatrician, Dr. Dorrington.  Just out of college, he recognized Sam’s rare genetic disorder at birth by his distinct physical features. Back in 1977 the diagnosis was overwhelming to us at first. There wasn’t much information about the syndrome and what was known, was not encouraging.  As a young family, we had to choose to focus on the positive things about our sweet Sammy, rather than the potential struggles and obstacles of CdLS.

Early diagnosis and intervention helped Sam meet the typical childhood milestones we sometimes take for granted: therapy provided by Children’s Hospital at home where he learned to sit up on his own, pre-school where he learned to walk independently, and finally into the Greenfield School system where he learned so much more.  Teachers and their assistants, classmates and student helpers, added friendship and so much joy to his life. We were privileged to be part of a close-knit community of families and caregivers brought together by our special kids.

Samuel was a graduate of Greenfield High School, attended Goodwill Day Program and Curative Day Program.

Graveside Funeral Service 1:00 PM Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Forest Home Cemetery 2405 W. Forest Home Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53215.  (Please Meet At The Office))