David G. Diefenbach

Mass of Christian Burial for David "Dave" G. Diefenbach will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Ellensburg with committal and military honors to follow at the IOOF Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside back at the Church. Mr. Diefenbach, 75, passed away Sunday, April 20, 2025 at his home surrounded by family.

Dave entered this world on August 25, 1949 in Ellensburg, the first of eight children born to Robert G. Diefenbach and Janeice Ann Jump. He grew up in Ellensburg, helping his dad on the family farm, attending Lourdes Academy then graduating from Ellensburg High School with the class of 1967.

Following graduation, Dave enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (without telling his mom), serving as part of the Evergreen State Platoon, a USMC unit made up of 80 Marines, all from Washington State. He was honorably discharged in September of 1970 and returned to Ellensburg.

Whether it was logging, selling real estate, trucking, or owner of Jack’s Tavern, Dave’s career history can be summed up in two phrases - entrepreneur and renaissance man. He ultimately found his niche in the scrap metal recycling industry, owning and operating a scrap business in the valley before moving to Omak where he ran his business, All Metal Salvage, for 15 years. Some notable projects Dave completed were the recycling of the turbines from the Chief Joseph Dam and scrap metal clean up of sections of the Hanford Site. As time went on, he landed in Seattle and finished his career as the yard superintendent for Seattle Iron and Metals. He retired from that position in 2015 and returned home to Ellensburg where he has resided since.

Dave always enjoyed sharing good conversations with people and at one time held memberships in the Eagles, Elks and Moose. It was at a spaghetti feed at the Eagles where he met Carol Adams, laughably an event both were coerced to attend by relatives, and the two made an instant connection. They immediately began dating and married two years later on April 8, 1978. With his marriage to Carol, Dave brought his two sons - Brian and Kevin - and later welcomed daughters Bridget and Angela.

Dave’s hobbies changed over the years. In his younger days, he enjoyed fishing, camping, gold panning, flying small planes, among other outdoor activities. As he got older, reading, golf, cooking and spending time with his family were his favorites. Interestingly enough, one hobby that most wouldn’t know about was his enjoyment of playing video games. Yes, Dave owned a PlayStation and was quite active in the online gaming community. Throughout his life, Dave always enjoyed a good drive, whether near or far.

Dave will be remembered for his sense of humor, exuberant laugh, trademark smile and eyebrow raise and his genuine love for his family and friends. We will miss you, Dave, and you will always be remembered. Dave continues to live on through his family.

Dave is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol Diefenbach; children Brian (Sofia) Diefenbach, Kevin (Roni) Diefenbach, Bridget (Michael) August and Angela Diefenbach; grandchildren Megan, Matthew, Emilia, Cayle, Cayden (John), Claire and Porter; great grandson Riot; as well as his siblings Jane (Cory) Bartholomew, Mary Diefenbach-Duke (Peter Oswald), Scott Diefenbach, Gary (Barbara) Diefenbach, Alice (Jerry) Gergen, Donna (Kim) Hougnon and Paul (Rina) Diefenbach. He was preceded in death by his mother, Janeice in 2020 and his father, Robert just a few months ago.

Memorial contributions in Dave’s honor are suggested to The Gretchen Weller Foundation or to KVH Hospice. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to both organizations for their love, care and support during Dave’s cancer battle.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com