Donald Edward Dietrich

Donald Edward Dietrich, age 96 of Marengo, passed away at Rose Haven Nursing Home, on Friday, January 26, 2018. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at Trinity United Church of Christ, rural Marengo. Burial will be in the Ladora Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be Tuesday morning January 30, 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church. In lieu of flowers or cement, the family requests memorials be contributed to Trinity U.C.C. or Essence of Life Hospice. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo is assisting the family with arrangements.

Donald is survived by his two sons Keith (Gloria) Dietrich of McAllen, Texas and Gene (Jill) Dietrich of Marengo; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; 10 step-great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and 2 step-great- great-grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his wife Frances in 2014, and his siblings Marjorie Stockstell, Leonard, Richard and Gary Dietrich.

Donald Dietrich was born August 19, 1921 in rural Lincoln Township, Ladora, the son of Edward and Mary Calvert Dietrich, the oldest of five children. He attended Lincoln #1 country school through 8 ^th grade. Donald assisted his family on the farm. He was united in marriage to Welma Frances Clevenger on April 18, 1942 in Bethany, MO. Donald was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1943 and honorably served our country until 1946, stationed in the Philippines during World War II. He received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star. After the war, he returned to New Virginia and continued farming for four years. In 1950, he and his wife purchased a farm in Sumner Township. Donald furthered his education in 1971 and received his GED from Kirkwood Community College, in Cedar Rapids .

Don cherished the 71 years he and Frances had together.  They had a wonderful life together enjoying their family and traveling all over the world.