They risked their lives by retaining SPD party membership, opposing the Nazis, and supporting the Allies during World War II.

Grandfather Heinrich Spruch owned a small factory and instilled in Thomas a love for biology and science in general.

Only grandfather Gustav was drafted, immediately transported to the Russian front, captured upon arrival, and detained in Siberia for the remainder of the war.

[2] After attending the Gymnasium in Brackwede-Bielefeld, Diekwisch immatriculated at the Philipps-University of Marburg in Hesse, where he graduated in dentistry.

From 1986 to 1990, Diekwisch worked as a lecturer, clinical instructor, and research associate in the Departments of Anatomy and Periodontics at the Philipps University.