Ralph Edward Charles Diemond

Ralph Edward Charles Diemond, age 81, went to his Heavenly home on July 8, 2025. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.

Ralph was born on May 10, 1944, in Alpena, Michigan, to Margaret (Bromund) and Edward Diemond. He was the sixth of seven children, all raised in Alpena.

He met his wife, Rita “Kay” (Byce), in 1966, and they were married on June 23, 1967. The couple moved to Lincoln, where they raised their two daughters and built their life together. This year, Ralph and Kay celebrated 58 years of marriage. 

Ralph graduated from Alpena High School and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving four years of active duty from 1962 to 1966, followed by two years in the Reserves. Ralph worked at Universal and Besser in Alpena for many years. He later took a job at Rickert’s in Lincoln before following his ambition to open his own tool and die business, Northern Precision, in 1979. His legacy continues through the family-run business today. 

When he wasn’t working, Ralph could often be found outdoors. He was an avid sportsman who loved to fish, hunt, and golf. He passed that same love on to his grandchildren, spending time with them in the woods, on the water, and on the golf course. Ralph was also a sports enthusiast and made sure to attend all of his grandchildren's sporting events. Above all else, his greatest joy was time spent with family. 

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Margaret Diemond, and four of his siblings: Margaret Jane Elowsky, Dwayne Diemond, Joyce McLain, and Deanna Skidmore. He was also preceded by his father- and mother-in-law, Gene and Lorraine (Cook) Byce, and brother- and sister-in-law Frank and Linda (Byce) Kelly. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Kay Diemond of Lincoln; two daughters, Staci (Dave) Dubuque and Teri (Steve) Yokom, both of Harrisville; and nine grandchildren: Braden (Ali) Yokom of Harrisville, Dustin (Jessica) Yokom of Lincoln, Lauren Yokom of Traverse City, Benjamin (Gabbi) Dubuque of Clarkston, Isaac Dubuque of San Diego, California, Elliott Dubuque of Denver, Colorado, Emily Dubuque of Columbus, Ohio, and Isabel and Will Dubuque of Harrisville. He is also survived by his beloved great-grandchildren: Charlie and Olivia Yokom, Jackson and Graham Yokom, and Davey and Oliver Dubuque. Ralph is further survived by his brother, Glen Diemond, and his sister, Phyllis Donakowski, both of Alpena. 

While we are deeply saddened by Ralph’s passing, we find peace in reflecting on the beautiful life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind. We take comfort in knowing he is now at rest in the presence of the Lord. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 18, at First Baptist Church of Lincoln at 2:00 p.m. Friends may call between 12:00–2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Rev. Arie Van Brenk will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made in Ralph's memory to Hospice of Michigan.