MADISON, WI – Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) hailed unanimous Assembly passage yesterday of AB 155 to designate US Highway 12 in Lake Delton as the “Tom Diehl Memorial Highway”.
“For those of us who had the privilege to know the late Tom Diehl, we know the void he left will never be filled. I am forever grateful to Tom for his work and deep commitment not just to the Dells, but the entire state” Rep. Kurtz said. “Without Tom’s vision, direction, talent, wisdom, and hard work, the Dells would not be the success it is today – ‘The Waterpark Capital of the World’ attracting millions of tourists annually and generating billions that are invested right back into our economy. Wisconsin remains a national leader in the tourism industry with about 5% of Wisconsin jobs being sustained by tourism. In 2024, over $25.8 billion in total economic impact was recorded statewide with about $2 billion coming from Sauk County, alone! Tom’s daughter, Jill Diehl, now carries on the work Tom began, leading the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau and following in her father’s footsteps.”
Tom also had the distinction to have served several decades on multiple government committees, councils, and other organizations where he worked to improve infrastructure, sustainability, and cultivate collaboration to benefit Lake Delton and the entire region.
Lake Delton Village Administrator, Tim McCumber, praised AB 155’s passage, “Tom Diehl’s contributions to the Wisconsin Dells and the State of Wisconsin have left an everlasting impact well beyond the imagination of anyone who has never had the opportunity to meet him” Tim McCumber said. “The Village appreciates the work Rep. Kurtz and Sen. Keyeski have done to honor the legacy of Tom Diehl.”
This legislation now awaits Senate approval and then to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
