Genevieve “Genny” Diederich, 86, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.
Genny was born February 15, 1940 to Lawrence and Barbara (Rebitzer) Umscheid, at their family home near Flush, Kansas. Genny was the youngest of twelve children. She graduated from Flush High School in 1958.
On June 6, 1959, Genny was united in marriage to Doyle Francis Diederich, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Flush, Kansas. After nearly 60 years of marriage, Doyle preceded her in death on January 10, 2019.
Genny devoted her early married years to raising their two children, Becky Heinrichs (Jeff) of New Port Richey, FL and Tim (Lisa) of Wamego, KS; and supporting Doyle throughout his working years. In addition, she worked part-time cleaning houses for families, many of whom became lifelong friends, a testament to her genuine care for others.
Genny enjoyed being a grandmother to April Diederich, Casey Woltje (Eric), Korhy Flanary (Megan), Kahm Flanary (Honesty), and Aaron and Emmah Heinrichs, as well as to her and Doyle’s eight great-grandchildren, Adler, Brooks and Emrie Woltje, Oliver, Nancy and Lincoln Flanary, and Walker and Evelyn Flanary. Genny was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews who considered her their second mom.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Doyle; five sisters, Irene Mills, Helen Brazzle, Angie Brazzle, Betty Jane Duncan, and Isabel Winterman; and six Umscheid brothers, Wayne, Don, Lawrence Jr., Cletus, Carl, and Miney; and several nieces and nephews.
Genny and Doyle shared a love of travel, especially to the Branson, Missouri and Arkansas areas. Each year, they continued a special tradition of purchasing an angel to add to Genny’s cherished collection. They also hosted annual summer family trips to Holiday Island, Arkansas, creating treasured memories that their children and grandchildren will forever hold dear. In recent years she enjoyed traveling to spend time with her daughter and family in Florida and participating in sewing trips with her nieces.
Genny was known for her homemade noodle soups, chocolate sheet cake, and Christmas candies, especially peanut brittle which she made in abundance so that she could send a gift box of it home with each family member. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and love.
An avid bowler, Genny participated in ladies’ leagues throughout her entire adult life, continuing until the age of 85. She also enjoyed traveling with her bowling teams to compete in tournaments, but more importantly, treasured the deep friendships and joyful memories made along the way.
Genny was a lifelong member of the Catholic faith. After Doyle’s passing, she and her two sisters became known at St. Bernard Catholic Church as the “three sisters”, because they attended mass together every Saturday evening.
Genny will lie in-state Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, Wamego, Kansas beginning at 2:00 PM. The family will then greet friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, followed by recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego, Kansas on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:30 AM followed by a luncheon at 11:30.
A graveside committal service will be at 2:00 PM at St. Joseph Cemetery in Flush, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Huntington’s Disease Society of America, in honor of this disease that afflicted several of Genny’s siblings as well as some nieces and nephews. Please make your check payable to HDSOA and send it in care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.