Gary Daniel "Dan" Diehl

Gary Daniel “Dan” Diehl, 85, longtime owner and publisher of The Courier-Tribune in Seneca, Kansas died in the early morning hours of Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Life Care Center in Seneca, where he had lived the past year.

Dan was born on October 30, 1938, to George Daniel and Elizabeth Hazel (Griffiths) Diehl in Topeka, Kansas. He grew up in Rossville, Kansas and then Highland Park. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1956 where he was a successful cross-country runner. Dan also learned to caddy at Topeka golf courses which was his first introduction to the game of golf, a game that provided him with so much enjoyment for the rest of his life.

Dan met his future wife, Janet Eileen Miller, in high school. They were married on November 29, 1958, in Topeka. They later divorced. 

Dan worked at newspapers throughout Kansas including Alta Vista, El Dorado, Topeka, Gardner, and then Seneca, where the family moved in 1969. He bought The Courier-Tribune and served as editor and publisher for almost 40 years. He was known for his sense of humor, and he wrote the popular weekly column, “Letters from Zeke.” Dan enjoyed covering local high school sports as well. In the Courier-Tribune, Dan also shared and wrote about his battles with mental illness at a time when there was a stigma attached to the disease and was personally thanked for his candor by other sufferers.

Dan was a single digit handicap golfer and competed in many Northeast Kansas tournaments. He also had a deep love for Quarter Horses, which he bred, broke, and trained to show at state and national competitions. Dan loved to play the guitar and sing, especially for his grandchildren, and was a prodigious songwriter, especially fond of “Lifetime Guarantee.” He was a former member of the Seneca Jaycees and was proud of his role in helping revive Nickel Day in the 1970’s.

Dan was preceded in death by his grandson, Ryan Diehl, and his siblings, Jim Diehl, Diane Campbell, Frank Diehl, Gaylord Nitzsche, and Doris Jean Stankiewitz.

Dan is survived by his former wife, Janet; his four children, Matt Diehl, David (Marleen) Diehl, Leigh Ann (Teddy) Granada, and Beth Diehl; his 14 grandchildren, Katie Galvez, Kim Diehl, Justin Diehl, Kent Diehl, Yvonne Carter, Stacy Herron, Sara Ko, Amy Nail, Adam Slack, Emily Granada, Elizabeth Primovic, David Granada, Michelle Odgren, and Christian Petrie; and his 19 great-grandchildren.

A public Celebration of Life will be held at the Spring Creek Golf Course in Seneca on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Casual dress encouraged by the family. The honorary pallbearers are Val Schmitz, Eldon Olberding, Justin Diehl, Ryan Diehl, Christian Petrie, Adam Slack, Gary Bell, Brock Corby, and Galen Rottinghaus. Memorials contributions are suggested to the Spring Creek Golf Course sent in care of the Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle Street, Seneca, Kansas 66538 or the Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, Kansas 66534.