Neil E. Diddens, age 72, of McConnell, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday November 5, 2026. He was born in Freeport, IL on December 16, 1953, the son of Virgil and Lucille (Lehrhoff) Diddens. Neil married Tina Hulbert on August 25, 1972. He worked at Lena Builders, Lobdell Transfer, and then Manito Transit. Neil enjoyed woodworking, classic cars, riding motorcycles, traveling and camping. His greatest love was his family.

Neil is survived by his wife Tina; son Brent (Tracie) Diddens; daughter Shauna Diddens; grandchildren- Kaleb Page, Hanna Diddens, Tanner (Lexie) Reisen, Breanna ( Fiancée Christian Hansel) Reisen; great- grandchildren – Ben, Ellyett, Carson, Maisyn Reisen; brothers- Randy (Marilyn) Diddens, Mark (Sandi) Diddens, Brian ( Fiancée Mary Goltz) Diddens; sister- Sharelon (Dave) Smith; sisters- in- law – Sue Diddens, Jeannette (Dave) Fransen, and Gail (Bob) Werkheiser; brothers- in- law- Nick (Tracie) Hulbert; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother- in- law Eldred and Phyliss Hulbert; brother Curt Diddens; sister Laura Diddens; and brother- in- law Steven Hulbert.

Visitation will be held on Saturday November 14th, from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. at Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

A celebration of life will follow at 5:00 P.M. at Route 20 Bar and Grill in Freeport, IL

A memorial has been established in Neil’s memory.