Curtis A. Diddens, age 72, of McConnell, IL passed away at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The son of G. Virgil and Lucille (Leerhoff) Diddens, Curt was born in Freeport, IL on August 24, 1952. He married the love of his life, Susan Watson, on April 26, 1975.

He started welding in 1968 at Wilson's Welding in Lena. He farmed from 1978 to 1993, raising beef and hogs. From 1993-2000 he worked at McConnell Machine and Welding.  In 2002 he started his own welding company, Custom Fabrication, in McConnell helping farmers and neighbors with their machinery.  He was a proud member of Lena Blackhawk Trailblazer Snowmobile Club, and the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  He enjoyed riding motorcycles and taking trips up north to snowmobile. He liked going to the Family's River Farm with his brothers and friends. Curt loved music and going to concerts to see bands like The Beach Boys, REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, and AC/DC. Above all Curt enjoyed spending time in his shop with his family and friends.

Curt is survived by his wife of 50 years Susan; 3 children- Dena (Adam) Price of Lena, Dana (Jolene) Diddens of Lena, Dawn (Chuck) Diffenderfer of Winslow, 8 grandchildren- Lukas Price, Penelope Price, Kenlee Price, Braden Diddens, Madilyn Diddens, Quinton Preston, Maci Diffenderfer, and Brody Diffenderfer; brothers- Randy (Marilyn) Diddens of Winslow, Mark (Sandi) Diddens of Lena, Neil (Tina) Diddens of McConnell, and Brian Diddens of Lena; sister- Sharelon (Dave) Smith of Lena, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would also like to thank FHN Hospice for the compassion and care they provided to Curt.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Laura in 1988.

Visitation will be held from 10:00am until the time of service on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Officiating will be Pastor Thomas Masbo.

Burial will take place after the luncheon at Silent Hill Cemetery.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name for the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.