Love of Education Leads to Estate Gift

Helen Diehl

As a tribute to a Newton, Iowa, couple’s love for Central College and education, Central received a gift of more than $860,000 from the estate of Helen Diehl, a longtime friend of the college. The bequest supports Central and scholarships for students.

Helen was a lifelong Newton resident, and was president and co-owner of the Jasper County Abstract Company for more than 40 years. She retired in 1983. Helen was active in civic organizations including the Newton Women’s Club, Business and Professional Women, and American Business Women’s Association. She continued to serve on the endowment committee of the Newton YMCA board of trustees and supported worthwhile projects for community betterment until her death in 2018.

Helen’s second husband, John N. Diehl, a Newton attorney, served on Central’s board of trustees. He was instrumental in helping secure gifts to the college from several generous benefactors, including John and Gertrude Geisler, for whom the college’s library is named.

Helen also established an endowed scholarship in her will in memory of her late husband, who died in 1984. The John and Helen Diehl Endowed Scholarship provides scholarships to students from Jasper County to attend Central.

Helen was a member of Central’s Heritage Roll of Honor and Cornerstone Society. She made her first gift to Central in 1979 and set up her estate gift with Central in 1990. Both Helen and John also enjoyed attending Central’s Heritage Day, an annual tradition that recognizes those who generously support the college.

Helen died Feb. 9, 2018, in Newton at age 96.

“We are forever grateful for this impactful gift and the Diehls’ commitment to Central College,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, a 1999 Central graduate and vice president for advancement. “Helen and John were both lifelong friends of the college, and their tremendous generosity will never be forgotten. The impact they made on the Central family can still be felt today and will matter to future students into perpetuity.”

Including Central College in your will or estate plan is a testament to the values and ideals you hold dear — having a heart for others — and is one of the most meaningful ways to support generations of students. To create your own legacy at Central, contact Deb Calderwood at 641-628-5138 or calderwoodd@central.edu to get started.