Jacob ‘Jake’ Diedtrich

Jacob Gary Diedtrich of Custer was born to Gary and Jean Diedtrich Oct. 11, 1981. After a “hot” start working together on a fire engine for the Forest Service, sparks flew and Jake and Jenny were united in marriage Sept. 8, 2012. This union was blessed by two daughters, Olivia Lynn and Sophia Rosalie.

Jake was a very passionate man. He was always ready to lend a hand to those in need, no matter what the task. He took great pride in his practical jokes and found great pleasure in scaring people, although, most women could not scream as loud as he could if he happened to be on the receiving end of a good scare. His laugh lit up the room and could always be picked out of a crowd.

Jake graduated from the University of South Dakota with a master’s degree in business communication. He turned his summer firefighting days into a career with the U.S. Forest Service where he was serving as a fuels technician.

When Jake wasn’t working, he loved spending time with family and friends camping, fishing, hunting, golfing and just being outdoors where he could throw a ball for his two chocolate labs, Jade and Jude, and occasionally Gunner the cat who thinks he is a dog.

Jake died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019. He was 37, 

Survivors include his wife, Jenny; two daughters, Olivia and Sophia; mother, Jean; sisters, Wendi and Hillary; six nieces and nephews; other extended family; a very close family of co-workers; and a sincerely loyal tribe of friends.

A celebration of Jake’s life will be at 3 p.m.  Saturday, Sept. 28, at Custer Lutheran Fellowship. A reception will follow at 4 p.m. at The Custer Beacon.

A memorial has been established for Jake’s daughters. Contributions may be made at First Interstate Bank or through the Jacob Diedtrich Memorial Fund on Facebook.