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Chief Engineer Kevin Diedrich operating the ship’s engines
Story and photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
LUDINGTON — Last week Lake Michigan Carferry announced the retirement of Chief Engineer Kevin Diedrich after 24 years with the company. Diedrich worked every position in the ship’s engineering department during his tenure.
A 1979 graduate of Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, Diedrich, 65, began his career as a production machinist. In 1982 he joined the U.S. Coast Guard, earning the rank of second class petty officer with the rating of machinery technician. He served six years, including two years aboard a 180-foot buoy tender in Alaska.
Diedrich grew up in Manitowoc, where his grandparents lived near the lakeshore. As children, he and his sister mowed their grandparents’ lawn and then watched the carferries arrive and depart.
“My sister used to draw pictures of the Badger, City of Midland and the Viking,” Diedrich said. “The Viking (formerly the Ann Arbor No. 7) was her favorite. We would do that every week.”
Diedrich and members of his crew.
After his honorable discharge, he returned to Manitowoc and worked in manufacturing for about 20 years, advancing from machinist to millwright. Eventually, the lake called him back.
“One day I decided that I missed sailing and I wanted to go back to it,” Diedrich said. “So I filled out my paperwork.”
As a Coast Guard veteran, he was able to quickly obtain certification as a Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED). He applied to several shipping companies and learned the Badger was hiring. Senior Chief Engineer Chuck Cart (now retired) advised him to begin with weekend shifts so as not to leave his other job immediately.
Diedrich found his place aboard the S.S. Badger. Since joining in 2001, he has held every engine-department position: coal passer, fireman, water tender, oiler, junior engineer, third engineer, second engineer, first engineer, chief engineer and senior chief engineer.
“I am the only person at the Badger since the railroad days who has held every position in the engine department,” he said. “I’m pretty proud of that.”
Diedrich was promoted to senior chief engineer after Cart moved into an office role. The Badger employs two chief engineers; Diedrich later gave up the senior chief title as he prepared for retirement.
He said the engines and the tight-knit crew kept him aboard. “I never worked with a steam engine before I came on the Badger. I just fell in love with these engines. They are just so unique. I also really enjoy the crew. We have a really tight crew in the engine department. The entire ship’s crew is really close but this is our little world down here.”
Diedrich also praised both past and current owners of Lake Michigan Carferry — former owners Bob Manglitz, Don Clingan and the late Jim Anderson, and current owners Interlake Maritime Services — for treating him well and helping make his long career possible.
Now, with his children grown, Diedrich said it’s time to slow down. “In 25 years I’ve missed a lot of family events, weddings and funerals. It’s time to slow down a bit and spend more time with family.”
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