Michael Dee Diefenbaugh, 67 of Merna passed away at his home on January 9, 2013.

Mike was born October 15, 1945 in Dunning, NE to Junior and Willda (Crone) Diefenbaugh. He was raised in Merna and graduated from Merna High School in 1963. He was baptized in the Christian Church of Litchfield.

On June 28, 1966 he married Judith Yantzie in Broken Bow, NE. They lived in Merna for 46 years, where they raised 4 children Misti, Michelle, Kristi and Kyle.

Mike was a charter member of the Merna Rescue Squad and has been a member of the Merna Volunteer Fire Department for 46 years. He worked at Wenquist Inc. for 32 years and looked forward to running his delivery route. He was the resident small engine repair man and could be found working in the garage on his days off. He loved NASCAR and volunteering for the Sandhills Open Road Challenge. Mike was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather and could be found attending the activities of all his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Judith; daughters, Misti Diefenbaugh (Idaho Falls, ID), Michelle (Marv) Lane (Arcadia, NE), Kristi (Scott) Thinnes (Idaho Falls, ID), and son Kyle (Kristy) Diefenbaugh (Elwood, NE); grandchildren, Kayla Lane, Wyatt Lane, Kaya Thinnes, Baylee Diefenbaugh, Kaydee Diefenbaugh, and Brody Diefenbaugh; sisters, Joan (Jim) Foster (Merna, NE), Yvonne Tucker (Merna, NE), and Debra (Steve) Miller (Callaway, NE).

He was preceded in death by his parents Junior and Willda Diefenbaugh.

Memorials are suggested to the Merna Rescue Squad and Merna Volunteer Fire Department.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday January 12, 2013 at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Broken Bow with Rev. Glen Emert officiating. Burial will be in the Merna Cemetery with Govier Bros. Mortuary of Broken Bow in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be held on Friday, 1PM to 8 PM at Govier Bros. Mortuary with the family greeting friends 6 PM to 8 PM.