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Passing of a Founding Member

TCOLBURN

New member
Frank C. Diederich #3, a founding member of BMW MOA and of the Chicago Region BMW Owners Association, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 28 at the age of 87. He was mentioned and pictured several times in the latest issue of BMW ON, and his article series, "How It All Began," is the most comprehensive history of the founding and development of what we know today as "MOA."

You can see his obituary and leave a condolence post here, http://obits.reviewjournal.com/obituaries/lvrj/obituary.aspx?pid=160394774

For those who prefer not to link, here is the text of the notice:

In loving memory of Frank C. Diederich, who passed away Sept. 28, 2012. Frank Diederich was born in Chicago, in 1925, to German immigrant parents, Franz Diederich and Hattie Peters. He achieved his bachelor's degree at Northwestern University in 1954 after World War II U.S. Naval service. He primarily served in Cuba, followed by nine years of U.S. Reserve Components. Frank's primary occupation was as a State Farm insurance agent for 30 years and he was well-known in the BMW community as MOA #3, co-founding the club in Chicago in 1972. Frank was married to Georgia Mazarakos early and had one daughter, Karen. He is survived by Margaret, his wife of 42 years; his daughter, Karen Hashberger; and his grandson, Michael, currently serving as a U.S. Navy submariner. Frank and Margaret lived in Las Vegas over 10 years, where Frank enjoyed various crafts, mainly woodworking and reading. He lost a long battle with cancer, but his daughter, Karen, was with him up to the evening of his death in Las Vegas and wants to thank in particular his friend, Denny Carder, who offered tremendous support and compassion over the past year. Also thanks to Bob and Helen Noble and many thanks to Hospice of Las Vegas. Frank's daughter has made arrangements for his burial with military honors at 1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 29, at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego.

Unfortunately, most of us will not be able to attend the services, but if any readers here are able to be there, please convey to the family our deepest sympathies and our appreciation for all of Frank's efforts over the years.

--Tim Colburn #3842
Park Forest, IL
tcolburn@ix.netcom.com
 
So sorry to hear the news.

I wrote a short article for the ON a few years ago about Frank and he called me. We spoke for almost an hour and he impressed me as a true "Gentleman".

I'm sorry that we never had the chance to meet face to face.

Condolences to his family and friends.
 
RIP Frank Diederich. Who would have guessed that the efforts of the early members, like Frank, would have become what we know as the MOA today?
 
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