Feb2, 2004

My father's obituary in the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal, released on Feb. 3, 2004:

Abram W. Diffenbach, 77, of 1802 Hempstead Road, died Monday at Lancaster General Hospital after a brief illness. A self-employed licensed auctioneer, Diffenbach began working as an auctioneer in 1946 at the age of 19.
He was co-owner of New Holland Sales Stables from 1973 to 1989 and president of the business from 1965 to 1989. He owned Diffenbach's New Holland Auction Center at the time of his death.
Diffenbach was the auctioneer at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Junior Livestock Auction from 1965 to 1990.
He was a member of Witmer Heights Mennonite Church, Lancaster, and a former member of the Livestock Marketing Association.
He was a past director of New Holland Farmers National Bank.
He enjoyed collecting antiques and traveling.
Born in East Lampeter Township, he was the son of the late Henry Z. and Estella Wenzel Diffenbach.
He was married 53 years in June to Beulah Landis Diffenbach.
Surviving besides his wife are three sons, Abram W., married to Karen Bare Diffenbach of Lancaster, Alan R. married to Carol Hess Diffenbach of New Holland, and David B., married to Margaret Herr Diffenbach of Frankford, Del.; two daughters, Rosalee, married to James Schneck of Terre Hill, and Annette, married to Philip Hertzler of Pamplin, Va; and a sister, Esther Sauder of Manheim.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Roy and Henry; and a sister, Dorothy Leaman.