I know that this is late.  I just wanted to let his family know how much he meant to me.  He would explain things to me even if he has to get to kindergarten.  He played a big part in me becoming the nephrology nurse.  Thank you for lending me your family members.  

I loved him 

I have been away from the hospital for some time and am just now learning of Dr. Diederich’s passing. My most sincere condolences to his family and all who continue to grieve his loss. 
I met Dr. D as a new post-transplant nurse and I was enormously impressed with his knowledge, kindness, and bedside manner with his patients. He would always take the time and show the extra care that each patient needed. These kindnesses were not solely reserved for patients. He was equally kind and giving to staff. When my father was dying from cancer and his organs were failing, Dr. D agreed to be a special consult as a favor to me. He knew my trust and comfort meant so much in that tumultuous time. 
I will never forget my time working with Dr. Diederich or his time as my father’s physician. Knowing that God our Father is the creator and  healer of all things, I know he has welcomed Dr. Diederich with the same kind and loving spirit that Dr. D had for all his patients. 

Dr. Diederich guided me to a successful kidney transplant August 14, 2000.  I am eternally grateful for his sound judgment and advice. I will always remember the day we were together several years later and he said: "remember when you didn't think it was a good enough match". What an outstanding physician! I will always keep him in my prayers.

John Yeazel

I am forever grateful for the sound advice Dr. Dennis Diederich provided to me when I needed it most leading up to a successful kidney transplant August 14, 2000. I was shooting for a six- antigen match from a teenage donor but backed off the 6-antigen qualification based upon trust in Dr. Diederich's advice - he said: "I usually say 20 years but in your case I wouldn't sell out on the second 20 - several years later when I was with him at K. U. he said: "remember when you didn't think it was a good enough match"? I am now in the 22nd  year of the successful transplant from my 18 year old donor - I have her obituary from the Chicago Tribune and pray for the repose of her soul everyday. I won't forget you Dr. Diederich.

John Yeazel

Has taken a year to try to write this and still will not be able to put into words what he meant to me and so many around me.   Working  him in the transplant center and I saw the impact he made on his patients and everyone that worked with him.   The combination of his extensive knowledge and the compassion and dignity he showed to everyone was a shining example to us all (and me saying that would really probably annoy him) .   He excelled as an educator.  You could tell when he was teaching you something that he really wanted you to learn. 
Our patients continue to come into clinic and share their Dr. D stories and the impact he made on their lives.   You can't help but think of Dr. D and smile.   He is truly missed.


Doctor Diedrich was a wonderful mentor and conveyed the joy of medicine better than any physician I have been associated with. My journey with him started in 1975 when I learned that the heart's job was to pump blood to the kidneys.  Once I got that straight there were multiple "salt and water" conferences, daily rounds when on his service, and many curbside consults throughout my years at KU. He left me immeasurably richer and extremely well prepared to practice real world medicine. He will not be forgotten and I'm certain he embodied the spelling of his name (of which he reminded folks often). I'm certain he "Died rich"
Charles "Chick" Ragland KU '72, '77, and '80

Dr. Diederich was one of the greats, an icon at KU Medical Center. I spent a few weeks as his resident in 2008. I hope he realized how many physicians are out there that he played a role in shaping.  I will never forget him.

I met Denny when I was the resident and Denny, Dan Stechschulty, and later Neil Schimke were the interns!  I never felt so inadequate in my life!  Here I was assigned to supervise these intellectual giants!  They kept me on my toes but never intimidated me.  We became a true team and in spite of their superior intellects we had a marvelous 6 months together with stimulating discussions.                           Later, I remember going on behalf of the KUMC Alumni to tell him he had been elected the Honorary Alumnus of the year.  He said “I won’t accept it!”.  When asked why he said “well I don’t deserve it, look how many people who have so much more than I have”.  After I practically got down on my knees and begged he reluctantly agreed to accept it.  He was always humble, never flaunting his accomplishments.  
Denny was blessed by being married to Alice, a true and loving partner who worked with him and sacrificed time with him when he was consumed by patient care.
We have lost a beloved colleague.

I met Dr. Diederich when I worked in the Medical Transplant ICU at KU. He was such a great teacher not only to medical students, residents, and fellows, but also to nurses. 
I remember being at the bedside of a kidney transplant patient and he turned off the monitor and asked, “tell me about his fluid status.” Everyone stood in silence. We didn’t have our numbers from the monitor. He proceeded to teach us about fluid status by feeling the radial pulse and the importance of a good physical exam. We’d never need a monitor if we looked at our patient. 
So many carry his teachings with us everyday. We are so grateful for his eternal wisdom. Blessings to his family for sharing him with us all.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I have known Dr Dietrich professionally since 1981.  He was in a league of his own, ahead of his time, a scientist and a patient advocate.  I admired his gentle manner and incredible depth of knowledge.  May his memory be eternal.


I had the privilege of meeting Dr Diederich when I was a nurse in MICU at KU. He was always so kind and down to earth, both with patients as well as with hospital staff. He was always willing to teach anyone about nephrology. I will always remember him fondly. Take care of each other during this difficult time and enjoy positive memories together. 
Sincerely,
Lori Barham

I like many before and after me,  had the great fortune of knowing Dr. Dieterich.  I first met him in 1981 at the age of 14 as a kidney patient and most recently asked his advice regarding my 2nd kidney transplant in 2007 ( Specifically, to ask what he would do in my situation).  He knew and remembered more about my medical history than I did over the span of 30 years.  He was always gentle, caring , kind and extremely genuine as a doctor.  He was quick with a smile and always remembered I had horses and lived out in the country.   He set the bar high!  He will be greatly missed .  He was a true gift.

I met Dr. Diederich during my training as an Internal Medicine resident. It didn’t take me long to recognize that Dr.D was unique- both in his knowledge, and his ability to connect with patients. He was a big reason for me choose nephrology. I was lucky to be his clinic fellow and then work alongside him as a transplant nephrologist. He will always remain a big influence in my life. He used knowledge and common sense to deal with the most complicated cases. Even now I see people publish things he has already taught me years ago! Dr. D was and will remain a class apart!

Dear Mrs. Diederich & Dr. Diederich Family,
    My sincere condolences to all!  I had the privilege to work with Dr. Diederich as an SICU nurse at TUKHS.  I remember those days that he made rounds on his white lab coat.  He is always professional, pleasant and most of all his admirable caring attitude to his patients. He's a great doctor.  He will be missed.
        May he rest in eternal peace.  God Bless!
Luz 

I didn't get to see my Uncle very often, mostly when visiting my Grandma and Grandpa's house. Some of the best memories were when they would come in from the fields late in the evening my Grandma would be right there serving them something delicious.  Then the stories would start and my Uncle Denny, would have my Grandpa laughing and smiling. Denny is part of an amazing family and his character and warmth proved that every day.  I know you are in heaven now Uncle Denny sitting at the table with Ben and Viv making them smile and laugh again.  
I love you and can't wait to sit at the table with ya'll again someday 
Love 
Your niece Sharon Stewart.    

I worked as a nurse with Dr Diederich on the Kidney transplant unit for over a decade.
I remember his compassion and his ability to connect with patients.  He always seemed to remember personal details about people.  He could explain what was going on in simple language to the patient. 
I worked with him when he could have been retired, but I could tell he loved what he did and it showed.
I count myself fortunate to have worked with him and to have known him.
May God comfort those who mourn his loss.

Sorry for your loss Paul
 Sounds like he was a wonderful smart man
Prayers to all of your family

This man!  The first time he met us, he shook my husband's hand and said, "You are a farmer and you need a new kidney in order to be able to get your work done.  Your work is very important." Doug and Dennis became best friends and always talked about farming during our visits to KU Med.  There is no one in the world as special as this guy!  He was with us during our darkest hour and happiest moments.  He treated everyone like they were important and valuable.  His dedication to helping others was so wonderful!  God had a special plan for him and showed us by Dennis' example how to treat others.  He is a saint, no doubt!  Our sympathy to the family. 

Mrs. Diederich,  My condolences regarding the lost of your husband.  As you know, he was a wonderful man and a wonderful physician.  I was one of his patients since 2006.  I could tell Dr. Diederich was very special and understanding.  God Speed Dr. Diederich!

Lord Knows Heaven has definitely gained a TRUE ANGEL and one heck of a Transplant Doctor/Nephrologist. I have learned so much about the Kidney, and I learned it from him and the nurses I worked with.  He had such a funny character but when it was time to buckle down to the heart of something....he dived deep.  May he Rest In Paradise and forever fly high. We will forever miss him in our minds and our hearts. Prayers extended to the Family.  FOREVER OUR DR. D, KU KIDNEY TRANSPLANT/CLINIC, AND OUR KU ANGEL

In 1977, fresh out of a McGill Medical School Nephrology fellowship, I visited Kansas from Montreal about a position in Nephrology at KUMC. Nephrology was a new thing at the time. I already knew about these doctors at KU who covered a lot of territory. They perfused tubules, did the early pioneer work of dialysis and were doing kidney transplants more than once in a week. When I met Denny the first time in his office, he had piles of books and journals everywhere, from the floor to the top of his desk. He had to move them around so  we could  sit. “Well”, he said, “in this work you have to do a little reading”. You could get the idea that the colossal pile of books and journals was a little intimidating in view of the interview that was about to get started. However, Denny made me comfortable, built confidence.  And that helped immensely passing any remaining hurdles. Indebted from day one. Thank you, Denny.
Always kind was Denny. Erudite, learned, caring in the most extended details, all the time. That is Denny in my mind. Never stopped reading, always knew how to help with a difficult case. Weekly conferences, oh my, he kept you on your toes. Some unfounded remark, he jumped right in. Details, references, the lot. How did he do it? All that reading must have helped. He was a most excellent mentor and colleague. One proud memory is our collaboration to bring citrate anticoagulation from his  dog lab to the patients. Great work. Thank you, Denny.
He and Alice became good friends to the new immigrants from Canada and helped us in many ways over the early years to  become part of Kansas and the KU family. There is just no way  that I can ever forget any and all of that. Wonderful memories. Thank you, Denny. 


Good bye Dr. Diederich!  

I offer my condolences to the family. 

I met Dr. Diederich as a fourth year medical student in 1983 when I did a nephrology rotation.  I learned more in that 1 month about how to be a physician than probably the entirety of my medical school training.  He was a Jedi Knight of health care and I am certain that all who knew him will be affected by his loss.  Fortunately, I am equally certain that all who knew him in life were clearly affected by his presence, his demeanor, and his patience (especially with a "grubby medical student").

I was so lucky to have Dr Diederich  as part of my medical team starting in 2002, he spent many hours trying to find help for me. His sense of humor was great as was his compassion  for his patients. I will miss his welcoming smile. 

OBITUARY

Dennis A. Diederich

July 11, 1936 – August 29, 2020

McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel

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