Walter William Dieckamp

Walter William Dieckamp, 83, of Avon, passed away on Monday, November 16, 2015. He was born in Jacksonville, IL to Friedrick D. and Maria M. (Maier) Dieckamp. Walt graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1950, and earned his B.S. from the University of Illinois in 1954. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was honorably discharged in 1956. Walt worked as an Advertising and Marketing Manager for Elanco, a division of Eli Lilly, for 25 years, retiring in 1990. He was very active in his church serving as Elder, Deacon, President and Usher. He attended Our Shepherd Lutheran Church where he was a member for 20 years. He enjoyed traveling with his family, and all enjoyed a very memorable trip to Germany in 1998. Walt also loved driving his Mercedes convertible, with his wife of 61 years at his side. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Newbery) Dieckamp; children, Kirk (Brenda) Dieckamp, Karen (Chuck) Tyler, Kris (Tom) Rafferty; 7 grandchildren, Kyle, Kelly (Andrew), Allison (Scot), Rex (Kat), Kiefer, Kristina, Shelby; and 1 great-grandson, Landon. Walt is also survived by his brother, Herman; and nephew and niece, Fred and Krista. He was preceded in death by his parents; and very special poodles, Kandi, Krikett and Holly. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church from 10am 12:30pm. Funeral services will follow at 12:30pm. Entombment will take place in West Ridge Park Cemetery. Per Walts wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Shepherd Lutheran Church: Stained Glass Fund. Friends are invited to leave online condolences for the family at www.flannerbuchanan.com. Services entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan Speedway.