William M. Dietrich, Jr.

Lansing

William Mark “Bill” Dietrich Jr. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 7th, at the Hospice of Lansing, Stoneleigh Residence. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean; his children, Mark Dietrich of Grand Rapids, MI, John (Linda) Dietrich of Kentwood, MI, Chuck (Joan) Dietrich of Grandville, MI, and Dan (Liz) Dietrich of Fishers, IN; sister, Roseanne (Posy) McCracken of Northridge, CA, and ten grandchildren: Christy (Nigel) Browne and Michelle Dietrich, Margaret and Alex Dietrich, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Kelly Dietrich, and Sean, Ryan, and Gina Dietrich; and sisters-in-law, Ilene Dietrich and Kate Dietrich.  Bill was preceded in death by daughter Diana Dietrich and brothers Ron and Doug Dietrich.

Bill was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Lansing, where he served in several different capacities from Pee Wee basketball coach to Elder. Bill was also a lifelong member of the Lansing Exchange Club, Elf Khurafeh Shrine, Capital Chapter #9 Royal Arch Masons, Lansing Commandery #25, East Lansing Lodge #480, and Royal Order of Jesters. Bill was past president of the Capital Caravan Club and Caravan Youth Center, a founding member of the Caravan Circus, and was active with the local Golden Gloves tournament. Bill was an industrial salesman for over 57 years.  Bill truly enjoyed many of his co-workers and customers, and considered them as part of his family. Bill spent the majority of his working years with the George Worthington Company. He finished out his selling career with Strelinger, and E & R Industrial Sales. Bill was a 1951 graduate of East Lansing High School, 1955 graduate of MSU, served as a captain in the Army during the Korean Conflict, and was a huge fan of MSU and Detroit sports teams. Bill especially loved his grandchildren and imparting his wisdom on the necessities of life: poker, cribbage, photography, and fishing.

Special thanks go to Bonnie Stalnaker, Dan and Geneva Matthews, and the team at Hospice of Lansing, for all of their special care.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, December 16th at Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17th, at First Presbyterian Church of Lansing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to any of his three favorite charities: Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL  33607; Michigan Children’s Trust Fund, 235 S. Grand Ave. Suite 1411, Lansing, MI  48933; First Presbyterian Endowment Fund, 510 West Ottawa Street, Lansing, MI  48933.

Print Obituary

6 Messages to “William M. Dietrich, Jr.

Print Messages
Nancee Sanville
December 8, 2016 at 8:15 pm

Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Peace be with you.

Reply
Richard and Sherri Peffley
December 9, 2016 at 3:29 am

Sending our heartfelt condolences to your family. I always looked forward to seeing Bill every year selling Old Newsboys. May he Rest In Peace.

Reply
Bob & Barb Stornant
December 10, 2016 at 10:31 am

So sorry to hear of Bills passing
our thoughts are with you

Reply
Cozette Oxley
December 12, 2016 at 3:47 pm

On behalf of the entire Oxley family, we are so sorry for your loss of Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jean & your family. God Bless his soul!

Reply
Steve Boehm
December 14, 2016 at 6:23 am

John and Linda,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Steve Boehm and Janet Kincaid

Reply
Linda Reemsnyder Ruehle
December 14, 2016 at 10:13 am

Mrs. Dietrich and family – The Reemsnyder family sends their sympathy to you and your family at this sad time. May your wonderful memories bring you peace. Our prayers are with you.

Reply

Please Sign The Guestbook

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *