Susan Marie Diehl, 80, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 3rd, 2023 in the hands of her two loving children and the hearts of her entire family and amazing group of friends. She was born in Sacred Heart, Minnesota on September 3rd, 1943 to Palmer and Sylvia (Trongard) Dybsand and was preceded in death by both parents and her two sisters, Paula Witte and Barbara Oakland.

After marrying William Joseph Diehl Jr. in 1966, Sue embarked on the nomadic life of a military spouse. She travelled the world, exploring at least 43 countries. Before eventually settling down in Michigan, she lived in Charlotte, North Carolina for over three decades, earning advanced degrees in English and language at UNC-Charlotte and putting them to use teaching ESL at UNCC and in Taiwan. Aside from being an inveterate traveler and a much loved and admired educator, Sue was an impressive athlete in many sports, especially tennis. Wherever she went she managed to find (and beat) the most challenging competitors on the courts.

But her most prized achievement was being the very best Mom to daughter Beth (Joey) McKinney, and son Joe (Julie) Diehl, and "Bama" to her adored grandchildren--Brooke, Blake, Cole, and Maddie--and many furry grand babies.

We will all miss her deep compassion for all living things, her heart-warming smile, and her highly tuned sense of the ridiculous. Such fun was had!

A private family service will be held in December with a Celebration of Life to be scheduled for summer 2024. Details to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a humanitarian charity of your choosing in Sue's name.