Prairie Players

Larry Diemer, known affectionately as “Mr. Diemer,” inspired everyone he taught or mentored. He had a gift for making you believe you could do better, be better, and leave the world a little brighter. With a lovable gruffness, quick humor, and sincere passion, he passed on lessons that reached far beyond the classroom: that Shakespeare could be exciting, rewriting is the heart of good writing, and that a theater set can be more complex than a home renovation.

Born in Chicago in 1947, Larry was the eldest of five children; Anne Wuestenfeld (Ken), Jeff Diemer (Deceased), Christine Kick (Dave) and Catherine Havranek (Tony). He learned the value of hard work from his father, often joining him on carpentry jobs. After attending the Pontifical College Josephinum and briefly considering the priesthood, he served in the Army during the Vietnam era. He later earned his English Education degree from Northern Illinois University and a Master's from Western Illinois University.

In 1975, Larry began teaching at Galesburg High School, quickly earning a reputation as a tough but fair writing teacher. His infamous college prep writing course, with its dreaded red pen and anxiety-inducing assignments, became a rite of passage. Yet, those who endured it—and his final-day serenade on his beloved 12-string Martin guitar—left truly prepared for the challenges ahead. His students, including his own daughters, all faced his class as equals, their success measured by resilience and dedication.

A devoted friend and community leader, Larry served as the teachers’ union president and was always a steady voice for his colleagues. His passion for music brought joy to many, whether playing folk songs at family gatherings, harmonizing with the "Riverside Singers," or performing Irish ballads with the beloved "Don’t Be Brothers" band.

But theater was his heart. He acted, directed, and built sets with Prairie Players Civic Theater, believing deeply that art is the soul of society and essential to human expression. A highlight of his time acting was playing the role of Stephen Douglas for the Lincoln-Douglas Debates broadcast on CSPAN in 1994.

Larry’s life was a masterclass in creativity, integrity, and generosity. His legacy lives on in every student he inspired, every stage he illuminated, and every song he shared.

He is survived by his life-long students; his wife, Judy Diemer of Galesburg; his daughters, Megan Goodman (Brian) of Oak Park, IL, and Vicki Parks-Murphy (Nick) of Sherman Oaks, CA; and his grandchildren, Leo Murphy, Maisie Goodman, Jules Murphy, and Finn Goodman.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life at Prairie Players Civic Theater (160 S. Seminary St., Galesburg, IL 61401) on Saturday, March 8th, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers and for those who wish to honor Larry’s memory, the family has set up a GoFundMe in his name, with proceeds going to Prairie Players Civic Theater.