Obituary of Kenneth John Deigel

LAKE ALFRED - Kenneth John Deigel passed away at home on Friday, June 28, 2013 surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born March 24, 1941, in Riga, NY, Kenneth was the son of the late William and Marie Deigel of Haines City. After moving with his family to the area in 1953, Mr. Deigel lived most of his life in Lake Alfred. He enjoyed many hobbies including boating, camping, motorcycling, and restoring homes, and his charismatic personality allowed him to develop friendships that extended well beyond the borders of his small-town lifestyle. Early in his career, Mr. Deigel secured a position as a City of Lake Alfred Police Officer, after which he worked as a truck driver with Gray Truck Line. As an employee of the Polk County School Board, Ken served as a Commercial Vehicle Driving Instructor with Ridge Technical Center and also as a Safety Specialist in Transportation Services. Late in his career, Mr. Deigel worked in the safety department of Indian River Transport Company and as a Loss Prevention Representative with Keenan Transport Company. He was also a Volunteer Firefighter and an independent Commercial Driver License Examiner for many years. Mr. Deigel was a member of the Winter Haven Moose Lodge, the Winter Haven Nautical Club, the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and the Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club. Ken was preceded in death by his brothers, Karl Deigel, Clarence Deigel, and William Deigel and by his sister Mildred Rohring. He is survived by a loving family that includes his wife of 50 years, Barbara J. Deigel of Lake Alfred, daughters Sandra L. Snyder (Greg) of Lakeland and Cynthia L. Sorensen of Melbourne, and two granddaughters, Morgan P. Snyder and Jenna C. Snyder of Lakeland. Kenneth also leaves behind his brother Donald R. Deigel (Lois) of Lake Alfred, several nieces and nephews, many wonderful friends, and his faithful cat, Pebbles. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, July 2, at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 2425 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven. Burial in Forest Hills Cemetery in Haines City will follow. Condolences may be sent to the family through oakridgefuneralcare.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Deigel's memory to Cornerstone Hospice, 2590 Havendale Blvd. NW, Winter Haven, to the American Cancer Society, 34 Lake Elbert Drive SE, Winter Haven, or to a charity of the donor's choice.