Obituary of Robert C. Diefendorf

Mr. Robert C. Diefendorf, 82, of State Highway 163, Canajoharie, died Friday, December 19, 2008 at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. Born on February 9, 1926 in the Town of Canajoharie, he was the son of the late Chauncey and Marion Richardson Diefendorf. A lifelong area resident, Bob was educated in Cherry Valley and Canajoharie. He worked for 27 years for the New York State Department of Transportation based in Canajoharie, before retiring in the early 80's. Bob was one of the oldest living members of the Central Mohawk Valley Lions Club. A past president of the club, he has been a member since 1977. In 1983 he was awarded Lion of the Year and in 1988 he received the Melvin Jones Fellow award for dedicated humanitarian services. He was also an avid hunter and of the Lutheran faith. Above all, he loved his family. On December 9, 1944 he was united in marriage to the former Barbara Kretser. That union lasted nearly 53 years until her passing on October 22, 1997. He was also predeceased by a son, Dennis I. Diefendorf, and two sisters, Audrey Haig and Margaret Coffin. His loving family includes, his four children, Dean R.Lynda Diefendorf, Richard A. Sharon Diefendorf Chauncey W. Linda Mabbett Diefendorf and Judith Virgil Heiser; one sister, Beverly Albert Biltucci; one brother, Donald "Skip" Helen Diefendorf; 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 11 o'clock at the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie with the Rev. Nancy Ryan presiding. Interment will take place at a later date in the Fort Plain Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Monday evening from 4 until 7 at the funeral home. Contributions in his memory made be made to the South Minden Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 224, Fort Plain, NY 1339 or the Central Mohawk Valley Lions Club, P.O. Box 681, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428.