Dick Dieffenbach, 2015 GCF Civic Award Winner

The Greater Cedarburg Foundation is proud to honor Dick Dieffenbach with its 2015 Civic Award.  Dick is thought of by many as a humble servant and is well deserving of this award.

Born in New York City, Dick spent his formative years in Tenafly, New Jersey, and West Nyack, New York.  He attended Bowdoin College in Maine, graduating in 1965 with a major in math and minor in economics.  He participated in soccer, serving as captain and honored as a state midfielder.  Dick looks forward to attending his 50th college class reunion this month.

After college, Dick and a classmate broadened their horizons with a tour of the U.S.  This was the beginning of a lifelong goal of his to visit each of the 50 states.  This goal was recently achieved with a visit to Alaska.

Dick was a member of his college Army ROTC and was commissioned at graduation.  While serving his country in Texas, he met his wife Dayle.  They have been married for 48 years.  During his time in the Army, he was promoted to first lieutenant.

After service, Dick returned to school and earned his MBA at Rutgers University while preparing for a possible future on Wall Street.  He was drawn, however, to what he considers to be his native Maine.  While living in Portland, a friend nominated him to be the Controller for the State of Maine a position he served under an independent governor for four years.  In 1980, he was offered a transfer to the Midwest region by KPMG, an international accounting firm, at which he eventually was made a partner.  The Dieffenbach family – daughter Kristen and twin boys David and Ken – have called our community home ever since.

In 1990, Dick formed Dieffenbach and Associates, a community based CPA practice in Thiensville. He is proud to have served many non-profits during his 40-year career as a Certified Public Accountant.

As a volunteer, ready to serve Cedarburg and beyond, Dick has been honored by many organizations.  In 1995, the City of Cedarburg issued a resolution recognizing him for his years of service as a council member, committee and commission member. He was cited for his work in the areas of economic development, intermunicipal, interagency and interdepartmental cooperation, and financial planning.  Dick was instrumental in the creation of the first tax incremental district in the city of Cedarburg and served as a member of the Forward Cedarburg Board, developing the first business park in the city.

Another prominent accomplishment for Dick was being recognized by the Cedarburg Fire Department with a 25-year honorary membership.  Though not an active firefighter, Dick helped with financial reporting and Maxwell Street Day activities.  In 2008, Ozaukee Bank presented Dick with its “You Made a Difference” award as their volunteer of the year.

The Greater Cedarburg Foundation is especially proud to name Dick as its 2015 Civic Award winner.   As a former board member, he was the first treasurer of our organization.  Thank you, Dick!