Gerald Dietrich

PLAINVIEW, MINNGerald "Jerry" Dietrich, 73, of Plainview, died Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at St Elizabeth's Health Care Center in Wabasha. Jerry fought a valiant battle with cancer for 10 years and now is at peace. Jerry was born June 26, 1942 to Kenneth and Irene (Plowfield) Dietrich in Reading, PA. After high school he joined the United States Navy in September of 1960. While serving in California, Jerry met Rachel Nienow. They married June 3, 1962. After Jerry was discharged from the military, they moved to Ohio where they raised 3 children, Wendy, Todd, and Mark. The family moved to Altura in 1976. Over the years Jerry worked for Chevrolet at their manufacturing plant in Cleveland, Ohio as an line assembler eventually earning a position as a foreman. He drove truck for many years and owned his own body shop in Stockton. In his early years, Jerry was a talented water skier and loved to go camping with his wife and children most summer weekends in Ohio. Some of his favorite activities included gardening and mowing his yard. He also enjoyed all things to do with cars such as going to car shows, watching car related shows and reading car magazines. He was a very mechanical man who could fix almost anything and an excellent free hand artist. Known as a hard worker, Jerry took pride in all things he fixed. He was a very strong supporter of the American Red Cross and donated many gallons of blood over the years. Jerry is survived by his children, Wendy (Timothy) Murphy of Altura, Todd (Bernadine) Dietrich of Hokah, and Mark Dietrich of Eau Claire, WI; grandchildren, Eric (fiancée Heather Rolfing) Hilke, Jenna Hilke, Shelby Hilke, Seth Hilke, Garrett Hilke, and Bryce Hilke; sister, Jean Dietrich; nieces, Stacey Dietrich and Michelle Oberst; and nephew, Tim Oberst. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rachel; and sister, Carol Bowman. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Mayo Hospice, nurse Bonnie, Mindy and Anna, St.Elizabeth Health Care Center and Dr. Thompson from Mayo Clinic. Services for Jerry will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, September 5, 2015 at Our Savior's Moravian Church in Altura with the Reverend David Sobek officiating. Visitation will take place two hours prior to the service at the church. Jerry will be laid to rest with military honors at Bethany Moravian Cemetery.
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