Ronald Louis Diel, 72, of Belleville, Illinois, born May 11, 1953 in St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Belleville Memorial Hospital.

Ronald was retired from the United States Postal Service after 23 years.  Prior to going to work for the Postal Service, he spent ten years in the U.S. Navy.  He spent time in Vietnam where he received four Purple Hearts and other commendations. He as a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4596 in Cahokia, IL and the Postal Workers Union. Ron enjoyed traveling, camping, and being outdoors. He was an avid bird watcher. He thoroughly enjoyed spoiling his grandkids and spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by a son, Ryan Diel; his parents, Harold and Shirley, nee Jahn, Diel; and two brother-in-laws, Herb Laquet and Mike Scholbe; along with several other family members and friends that have passed on.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Rose Diel, nee White; his children, Melissa (Doug) Schwartz, Heather (Shaun) Bales, and Tiffany (Nathan Perkins) Diel; a daughter-in-law, Erin Diel-Lachman; his siblings, Roger (Sue) Diel, Renee Scholbe, Roxana (Rudy) Teason, Rayleen (Ronald Johnson) Rybacki, Rob (Pam Hilgeman) Diel, Russell (Jill) Diel, Rita Diel, and Rich Diel; and six grandchildren, Michael, Hayden, Makenah, Alora, Chase, and Emersyn.  He was also a dear brother-in-law, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at the funeral home, with Father Andy Knopik officiating. Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.