Albert Joseph Diggins, 85, of Adams and formerly of Austin, died peacefully Monday morning, Dec. 21, 2009 at the Adams Healthcare Center. 
Albert J. Diggins was born Jan. 19, 1924 in Sioux Falls, S.D., to Margaret and William Diggins. On Aug. 1, 1946, he married Arlene A. Kraby at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Albert was employed at the Hormel Foods Corporation for 42 years. Albert was a World War II Veteran. He coached women’s fast pitch softball. He was an avid football fan. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
He will be sadly missed by his five children: son, Dick (Mary) Diggins of Albert Lea; daughters, Deb Wakefield of Austin, Cindy (Paul) Garcia of Burnsville, Val (Dwight) Dreyer of LeRoy; son, Terry (Jody) Diggins of Austin; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Bob Diggins of Utah; three sisters, Violet Hansen of Austin, Margaret (Tom) Jennings of Austin, Penny Kvam of Austin; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by wife Arlene; daughter, Linda Peck; son-in-law, Bill Wakefield; his parents; two sisters, Arch Heimer and Patty Puettmann. 
    Memorial services will be held Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009 at Crane Chapel at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Dale Christiansen officiating. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service at Crane Chapel. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91.
    Arrangements by Mayer Funeral Home.