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Diener, Rev. James Robert

The soul of Rev. James Robert Diener, 72, of Waupaca, arrived at the wedding feast of the Lamb on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. He passed away at Appleton Medical Center. Jim was born on April 3, 1940, in Sheboygan, WI, the second oldest of six sons of Ernst and Margaret (Stegemeyer) Diener. Jim was adopted into God’s family through the washing waters of Holy Baptism on April 21, 1940. In the rite of confirmation on April 11, 1954, he publicly confessed the grace given him in baptism. His confirmation verse was Matthew 10: 32-33, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” Jim graduated from Northwestern Preparatory School, Watertown, WI, in 1958, and Northwestern Lutheran College, Watertown, WI, in 1962. He received a Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, WI, in 1966. On June 26, 1966, he was united in marriage to Cheryl Schaumberg in Hartford, WI. On July 17, 1966, Jim was ordained into the holy ministry. He served as pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Little Chute, WI from 1966-1971. At the same time he served St. Paul Lutheran Church, Greenleaf, from 1966-1969. Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waupaca, called him as its pastor in 1971 and he faithfully served his Lord at Immanuel until his retirement in 2004. While in the active ministry Jim guided the church at large in several capacities. He served on the Special Ministries Board of the Wisconsin Ev. Lutheran Synod (WELS). He chaired the Constitution Committee of the Northern Wisconsin District. He also served on the district Special Ministries Board and counseled area congregations as a circuit pastor. He was a pastoral advisor to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. Rejoicing that he is with the Lord but mourning his loss are his wife of 46 years, Cheryl, a daughter, Heidi, of Appleton, and a son, Timothy, of Waupaca. He delighted in his three grandchildren, Annie Amata, Samson James and Maximus Christian Diener. Jim is survived by five brothers: Ronald, Wellfleet, MA; Rev. Robert Diener (Judy), Plymouth, WI; John (Judy), Lawrenceville, GA; David (Deborah), Slinger, WI; and Richard (Annette), Port Washington. He will be missed by his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law: Dale (Sue) Schaumberg, Sun City, AZ; Mardell (Richard) Zimmermann, Tempe, AZ; Rev. Glen (Patricia) Schaumberg, Waukesha, WI. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, an aunt, and many friends. Pastor Loren Fritz and Pastor Paul Bowe conducted a service celebrating Jim’s eternal life in Christ on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1120 Evans St., Waupaca at 11:00 a.m. A visitation was held on Monday, Sept. 10, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Holly Funeral home, 526 S. Main St., Waupaca, and again at the church on Sept. 11 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers memorials would be appreciated. Because of Jim’s great love for the rich heritage of Lutheran music and because of his family’s German-Russian roots, memorials may be directed to the organ fund of Immanuel Lutheran Church or to the Mission to Russia of the Wisconsin Ev. Lutheran Synod. Cheryl, Heidi and Tim wish to express their thanks to all who offered love and support and cared for Jim not only in these last few days, but for the past eight years. Jim was richly blessed in his Savior, Jesus Christ. He treasured Christ’s blood shed on the cross and trusted in the promises of eternal life. He is now wearing the crown of life! We who remain look forward the great day of resurrection when we will be united in heaven. Worthy is the Lamb whose death makes me his own! The Lamb is reigning on his throne!

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