Michael Diedenhofen, 75, passed away on December 31, 2025. Born on March 16, 1950, in Frankfurt, Germany, Michael lived a life devoted to service, music, family, and community.
In Germany, he served in the military as a chaplain at the 97th Army General Hospital in Frankfurt. Music was a lifelong passion, and he performed with the Happy Day Singers and UFO, sharing joy through song.
After settling in Louisville, Michael became a cherished presence in the Jewish community. He directed the Youth Choir at Temple Shalom, served on the Board of Directors of Eliahu Academy, led seders throughout the city, and was a devoted member of Keneseth Israel. For over 20 years, he compassionately cared for Louisville's elderly through home health work, and he formed meaningful connections everywhere he went, including with customers while working in the Kroger deli.
At home, Michael found joy in cooking meals from scratch and bringing people together around the table. He loved telling stories from his youth—traveling across Europe and meeting children from all over the world while attending boarding school. In his younger years, he relished adventure and travel; later in life, happiness was found in simpler pleasures: a day at the beach, the smell of the grill, and time with family.
Above all, he was a loving husband, father, brother, and Opa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gisela Diedenhofen (Walter) and Yochay Bruchbacher (Yehudit), and his beloved daughter, Shannon Diedenhofen. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Diedenhofen; his daughter Rachel Goldman (David); his grandchildren Judah and Shai Goldman; his siblings Shimon Barak (Orli), Bodo Diedenhofen, Doris Pless (Harold), Kai Uwe Bruchbacher, and Dieter Bruchbacher; in-laws Rita Kircher and Richard Kircher (Deborah); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Michael will be remembered for his open heart, gentle spirit, and lifelong commitment to caring for others. May his memory be a blessing.
Memorial donations may be made to Keneseth Israel Congregation or Hosparus of Louisville.
(from Herman Meyer obituary)
Michael Diedenhofen, 75, passed away on December 31, 2025. Born on March 16, 1950, in Frankfurt, Germany, Michael lived a life devoted to service, music, family, and community.
In Germany, he served in the military as a chaplain at the 97th Army General Hospital in Frankfurt. Music was a lifelong passion, and he performed with the Happy Day Singers and UFO, sharing joy through song.
After settling in Louisville, Michael became a cherished presence in the Jewish community. He directed the Youth Choir at Temple Shalom, served on the Board of Directors of Eliahu Academy, led seders throughout the city, and was a devoted member of Keneseth Israel. For over 20 years, he compassionately cared for Louisville's elderly through home health work, and he formed meaningful connections everywhere he went, including with customers while working in the Kroger deli.
At home, Michael found joy in cooking meals from scratch and bringing people together around the table. He loved telling stories from his youth—traveling across Europe and meeting children from all over the world while attending boarding school. In his younger years, he relished adventure and travel; later in life, happiness was found in simpler pleasures: a day at the beach, the smell of the grill, and time with family.
Above all, he was a loving husband, father, brother, and Opa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gisela Diedenhofen (Walter) and Yochay Bruchbacher (Yehudit), and his beloved daughter, Shannon Diedenhofen. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Diedenhofen; his daughter Rachel Goldman (David); his grandchildren Judah and Shai Goldman; his siblings Shimon Barak (Orli), Bodo Diedenhofen, Doris Pless (Harold), Kai Uwe Bruchbacher, and Dieter Bruchbacher; in-laws Rita Kircher and Richard Kircher (Deborah); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Michael will be remembered for his open heart, gentle spirit, and lifelong commitment to caring for others. May his memory be a blessing.
Memorial donations may be made to Keneseth Israel Congregation or Hosparus of Louisville.
(from Herman Meyer obituary)
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
