Jean Diefenthaler, 95, died Thursday morning October 19, 2023 at Sycamore Lodge, Kiel where she had been a resident. She was born Eleanor Jean Bastow on December 13, 1927 in Sedgwick County Kansas, daughter of the late Jess and Joan (Schuessler) Bastow. She attended Pleasant View School and graduated from Newton High School. Jean worked as the head secretary for Harvey County Agricultural Extension Council in Newton, KA for 23 years.

On December 23, 1969 she was united in marriage to Willard "Lefty" Diefenthaler at St. Peter UCC in Kiel. Lefty preceded her in death on May 14, 2008. Jean loved gardening, music, cooking, sewing, needlework, painting and photography. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, Kiel where she played piano, arranged flowers and sang in the choir.

Survivors include her children; Marjorie Klunck, Sheboygan, John (Nancy) Diefenthaler, Jim Diefenthaler,Tom Diefenthaler all of rural Elkhart Lake. her grandchildren; Rick (Amy) Klunck, Jason Klunck, Christopher (Andrea) Klunck, Carrie (Adam) Krull and Peter Diefenthaler, great grandchildren; Quintin, Kirstin, Caleigh, Abigail, Kolby, Joey, Mason, Cooper, Kaden and Kinley. Further survived by great great grandchildren; Brantley and Olivia along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; Willard "Lefty" Diefenthaler, brother; Don (Mary) Bastow, son-in-law; Robert "Geno" Klunck, sisters-in-law; Violet Stephany, Eleanor Diefenthaler and brother-in-law; Wilbur Diefenthaler.

Funeral Services for Jean will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday October 29, 2023 at Meiselwitz-Vollstedt-DeTroye Funeral Home (815 6th St Kiel) with Rev. Steve Abrams officiating. A time of visitation will take place at the funeral home from 1:00pm until the time of service at 2:00pm. Burial in the Schleswig Cemetery, Rockville.