Making a difference in one’s community – one’s world – can take on many forms. And the results of those good deeds touch many in the here and now, while forming a lasting legacy that touches future generations.

That is why The Mexico Ledger honors Hidden Heroes.

Chances are, if you know Mexico, you know Dagwood Jr.

The sandwich shop, named after the comic strip, has been a staple here in Mexico for decades — known for its dedication to serving its community just as much as its food and it all began with Ron Deihl.

Deihl, or Dagwood Sr., has a long history in the restaurant business. In 1975, Deihl decided to open his own pizza shop and, eventually, had four restaurants.

In 1991, he became a Domino’s franchisee and ran the Mexico location for four years before breaking into the sandwich industry.

“Fortunately, every business I had someone wanted to buy,” Deihl said.

With regular contributions to Miss Missouri, St. Brendan Catholic School, the Soybean Festival and numerous other organizations, the Dagwood name is synonymous with generosity.

“If he’s got it, he can help and he’ll do it without looking for recognition,” Brad Deihl said about his father.

When Deihl’s son Brad took over the business as Dagwood Jr., he continued in his father’s philanthropic footsteps. Whether it’s a few extra cookies for the catered lunch at the local church or entire meals donated to those in need, the Deihls believe in donating whenever they can.

“We’re trying to fill a need,” Deihl said.

In Deihl’s experience, giving usually results in a positive return for the business, but that’s just a perk and not the driving force behind his giving nature.

“It’s something you do for other people because if I ever had a need, I’m sure they would help me,” he said.

Brad’s earliest memory of witnessing his father’s generosity came at an early age. When a pipeline explosion in Centralia caused multiple fires and the loss of many homes, Deihl and his son were there to help with a truck full of coffee and sandwiches.

“It’s just the way I was raised by him,” Brad said. “You help out when you can. I remember driving down the highway like, ‘Why are we doing this so late at night?’”

Lauren Cuno, Deihl’s Hidden Hero nominator, grew up with Deihl as a neighbor, and she has also seen firsthand the impact of the Dagwood name.

“When I was doing more with PTO for Hawthorne Elementary, I noticed how much they donated versus letting us pay for,” she said. “They have both done that for every school, every sports event — they feed the teams and they quite literally feed the town.”

For Cuno, Deihl’s good deeds came in many forms — from never accepting payment for the neighborly shoveling of her driveway to the heroic rescue of her childhood dog that fell through ice.

“Ron got an extension cord and they finally got her out before the fire department even got there,” she said.

Over the years, Deihl has witnessed the changing economy. He said his best memories of Mexico involve watching how his community has survived time and time again and managed to keep its downtown scene alive.

“We’re like any place,” Deihl said. We go through slow times and good times, but it always works out.”

With his son at the helm, Deihl continues to work at Dagwood Jr., offering support behind the scenes and watching his legacy of Dagwood Jr.’s contributions continue to be a small part of what keeps his community together.