Mark J. Diefenbaugh

Mark J. Diefenbaugh, age 71 of Osceola, passed away Friday, September 24, 2021, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center following a brief illness.  Mark was born November 14, 1949 in Clarksville, Texas and was adopted at 5 days old by Edwin and Bonnie (Neely) Diefenbaugh.  Mark was a lifelong resident of Osceola.  On January 3, 1970, he married Mary Hine at the Osceola United Methodist Church.  They celebrated 51 years of marriage.

Mary survives, along with their son Mark J. Diefenbaugh II of Osceola. Surviving as well are his grandchildren Mark J. III, Annabelle Mae, Faith Marie and Alexander Ford Diefenbaugh.

Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the 1:00 pm funeral service on Friday, October 1, 2021, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola. Interment will follow in Olive Cemetery.

Mark was employed in various positions at Whitehall Laboratories where he was a member of the Union before they closed the factory in 1995.  He then spent ten years working as a transportation supervisor with Michiana Auto Auction before his retirement in 2005.

As a young man, Mark enjoyed traveling across the US with his family.  He and Mary bowled in the mixed league doubles with Whitehall Laboratories, and he loved playing poker with his family.  Mark enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, hunting, camping, trapping and mushroom hunting.

More than anything, Mark loved spending time with his family and since he was raised as an only child, he was extremely close to Mary’s family.  His caring nature and love for others will be remembered always.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his family.  To light a virtual candle, share a story of Mark’s life, or leave a message of condolence for the Diefenbaugh family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.