Herman John Diener, 92, of South Hutchinson, died June 9, 2019, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born July 7, 1926, in Hutchinson, to Harry A. and Amanda (Selzer) Diener.

Herman graduated from Hesston Academy in 1949, Goshen College, Goshen, IN, in 1952, received his masters degree from Emporia State University in 1961 and his Specialist in Education from Wichita State University in 1972. He taught elementary school for 11 years, three years in Harper County and eight years in Hutchinson. For 28 years, Herman served as the South Hutchinson Elementary School Principal, retiring in 1991.

Family and music were an important part of Herman's life. He enjoyed playing harmonica duets with his wife, Mary Ellen, and sang in numerous men's and mixed quartets. For 20 years, he attended the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY, and was a founding member of the 500 member Kansas Mennonite Men's Chorus. After retirement, Herman enjoyed playing golf, croquet, traveling with Mary Ellen, their children and families, and volunteering in the community and his church, Journey@South Hutchinson.

On August 17, 1949, he married Mary Ellen Beachy at Yoder Mennonite Church. They were two months shy of celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary.

Herman is survived by: wife, Mary Ellen of South Hutchinson; children, Dawn Phares (Jim) of Hudson, IA, Gary Diener (Jeannie) of Arvada, CO, Dale Diener (Anita) of Hutchinson, Lance Diener of Hesston; grandchildren, Jamie, Hannah, Gareth, Tiffany, Tabitha, Travis, Brooke; and great-grandchildren, Kylie, Avie, Cadyn, and Eli.

He was preceded in death by his parents and seven brothers.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 14, 2019, at Journey@South Hutchinson, 808 S. Poplar, South Hutchinson, with Pastor Howard Wagler officiating. Burial will follow in Yoder Mennonite Church Cemetery, rural Yoder. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will greet friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Journey@South Hutchinson.

Memorials may be made to Mennonite Friendship Communities or Journey@South Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.