Elmer Diuble, longtime farm implement dealer and friend of Washtenaw County 4-H, dies at 89
When Elmer Diuble started Diuble Equipment in 1968, it was one of 14 farm implement dealers in Washtenaw County. Today, more than 40 years later, it's the only full-line agricultural equipment dealer left.
One of the keys to its success, said Ronald Diuble, who now runs the business at 4365 S. Parker Road in Lodi Township, was his father's hard work and dedication.
His legendary memory might have had something to do with it too. Elmer Diuble, who died Sunday at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital at the age of 89, never had to look up a part number, his son said. He knew them all by heart.
Elmer Diuble
"If he saw you twice in one year, he knew your address," Ron Diuble said. "At one time I think he probably knew 90 percent of the farmers in Washtenaw County."
Diuble was deeply embedded in the Washtenaw County farm community. In addition to the business, he had his own farm, 110 acres, located near the business and now farmed by his grandson Bryan Diuble. He also served on the Washtenaw County Farm Council, which developed and manages the Farm Council Grounds on Ann Arbor-Saline Road in Lodi Township, where the Washtenaw County 4-H Youth Show is held every year.
The county 4-H program was one of his favorite causes, his son said. He would often attend the 4-H livestock auction and bolster the per-pound price youngsters got for the animals, paying the difference between the actual price and what he thought the price should be from his own pocket.
"Sometimes it was five or six hundred dollars," Ron Diuble said.
His support earned him the county's Friend of 4-H award.
Dexter Township farmer Carl Lesser was a longtime friend and fellow member of the Farm Council. He was also a frequent customer at Diuble Equipment.
"I don't think he had an enemy in the world," Lesser said.
Diuble was born Feb. 28, 1921, to Adolph and Louisa Diuble of Ann Arbor. He was one of six siblings. He married the former Grace Parker on Aug. 4, 1945. She died about 20 years ago, Ronald Diuble said. He never remarried.
Survivors include three children, Dianne Diuble, Ronald Diuble and Janet Prybys, and four grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today, and from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Scio Township. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 South Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bethlehem United Church of Christ, Evangelical Home of Saline, 440 W. Russell, Saline, MI 48176, or to the charity of your choice.
Comments
OLDTIMER3
Sat, Feb 19, 2011 : 5:20 p.m.
It seems like I remember him saying " you this might just work" if they didn't have the exact part you needed , and it usually did. My sincere condolences to the family. He will surely be missed.
Joe Wood
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 10:09 p.m.
As a 5 generation farmer in Washtenaw County I have many great memorys of Diuble Feeds. And Elmer really did have an unbelievable memory for part numbers. We still have Allis Chalmers with a few green ones mixed in.
K32
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 4:11 p.m.
Sorry to hear of his passing. Also. . . .shocking and horrible to learn that Diuble Equipment is the only one of 14 farm equipment dealers left. Speaks volumes about what's happened to rural SE Michigan.
tim
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 3:49 p.m.
Going into Diuble's always felt special when Mr Diuble was there ( it's not often that you see three generations of family members working together ). He was always easy to be around and will be missed.
Jim Nazium
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 11:15 a.m.
He was a good honest man and will be missed. The world needs more people like him, he did things the right way.
WhyCan'tWeBeFriends
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 7:15 a.m.
Although we are "city folk" and not Michiganders since we have only lived here for 12+ years, my husband fully supported this company because of the knowledge and support he knew he got there. We bought our lawn tractor there after the "included with purchase" one quickly died. We researched what to buy, but the reps there told him otherwise, for budget and performance; my husband is a hard man to dissuade . He went with their advice. You know, to have a happy man cut the grass for as much acreage as we have, without complaint, and to receive respect and advice when he returns, and gets precise information about what is wrong with his machine - that is priceless. It is perhaps the ONE thing I do not need to ask him to do, and that he is glad to do. The machine they sold him made a chore into a pleasure, nearly. No, it really did - like meditation. It is about the machine they recommended, and the service they continue to provide ; we have needed service and parts at times - no problem. Condolences to the family, but know that even those of us who are "outsiders" appreciate your superb company. Carry on!
Rod Johnson
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 3:16 a.m.
Oh, sad. Rest in peace, Mr. Diuble.