Harland J. Diggles' Obituary
Harland James Diggles, born to Beulah Weinbauer and Sam Simmons on March 23, 1947, and raised by his mother and step-father, Clarkson Diggles growing up with his , half brother Bruce Diggles. His step-father died when he was 14 yrs old, despite being the oldest living male in the family, he was drafted, after graduating from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids Wisconsin and served in Vietnam from Sept. 1966 to April 1969 as a Radio Field Communications Operator, surviving numerous enemy conflicts, and directly exposed to Agent Orange. He endured a life long battle with Slow Progressive M.S. , starting shortly after he returned home, slowly disabling him, till he became 99% totally bedridden for about the last 10 yrs., and enrolled in Home Health United Hospice, Reedsburg, WI for last couple years. On St. Patties Day March 17th at 11:25pm, no longer able to fight off the complications due to his condition, died peacefully at home, with his wife and other loved ones at his side. On April 6th 1991 he married his wife, Sandra L. Hill, who then became Sandra L. Hill-Diggles,(also a student of Lincoln High School and a Vietnam Era Veteran)who became his life long primary care giver, and love of his life. Harland's closest remaining relatives -- Bruce(Ruth) Diggles Port Edwards, WI, Nephew Chris (Natalie) Diggles, children Austin and Brayden, of Port Edwards. Niece, Miranda Diggles (Mike) of Rib Mountain. Son Daniel Diggles (Heather), children, Brady, Caitlin, and Nathan of Wis. Rapids, Daughter Kelly (Jeff) Parker, children Andrew,Aaron, Cassidy, of Wis. Rapids. Cousins Sherryl (Eldon) Featherston, Liverpool, NY and Franklin (Donnie) Loomans, Cathlamet, WA. On his wife's side --- Mother -- Dorothy M. Hill Sr, Siblings -- Art (Cristy) Hill Jr. , Diane (Dave) Neelis Sr., Waupaca, Gary (Loretta) Hill, Plainfield, WI, and Lorne (Kate) Hill, Fond du Lac, WI, Children -- Rodger (Tracy) Menchaca, daughter Corin, Oshkosh, WI, Melinda (Stuart) Smit, children Dylan, Kyle, Brent and Brandon, Reedsburg, WI, Anthony (Karly) Menchaca, children, Nickolas and Noah, Paris, TX and oldest son Nathaniel, of Waupaca. He is receded in death by his mother Beulah, his brother Robert and his beloved father-in-law, Arthur E Hill. Thanks and blessed appreciation to Dr. Ben Brooks, Harland's M.S. Doctor at the Madison V.A. Hospital (now retired) and numerous staff there. Special thanks to all the outstanding staff/caregivers through Home Health United Hospice, along with Doctor K. Hoffmann, Reedsburg, WI. They truly became part of our family and we of theirs, couldn't have made it without their love, support and awesome help. Last but not least, thanks and blessings to all those at the Wisconsin Veterans Home, King, WI - loving staff and dear friends who shared and cared with us while we were there. Funeral will be held on his birthday Tues. March 23rd at the Wisconsin Veterans Home Chapel, King WI. Viewing from Noon - 1:30pm, Service by Father Paul, Military Honor and luncheon announced to all there. His body will be laid to rest in the Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery, but due to the Spring conditions of the ground their will be no grave site ceremony. It is fitting that our lives together as husband and wife, now comes to a close where it began, almost 19 yrs ago - full circle as is all of life forever, past, present and future.
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