John Francis Dietz
John Francis Dietz was born on March 6, 1938 in Helena, Montana. He passed away peacefully on March 11, 2013. He went into the Navy when he was just a young lad in 1957 where he served 4 years active and 2 years non-active. He served on the USS Mount Baker which is an ammunition ship. He is the son of John “Jack” William Dietz and Alice Christie Thibaudeau. He married Margaret Ann Poe on October 4, 1963 in Helena, MT. He loved doing his wood working and when he could get a way, goes out in his canoe to catch a fish or two. He also loved trying to get flowers to grow outside even though they all ended up not growing at all. He enjoyed learning how to play the finding games on the computer as well has doing his crossword puzzles.
After he got out of the navy and had a family, he went to work doing janitorial for the Capital and McDonalds. He switched jobs after awhile, getting to do what he loved best, which was supervising and working with the mentally disabled adults doing wood projects. From there he went to Advanced Engines, which is where he retired from in 2003.
He is survived by his wife Margaret Ann Poe; his children, Wayne Dietz, Helena, MT; Tina (Sidney) Meierotto, Helena, MT; George “Bill” Dietz, Phoenix, AZ; Anna Dietz, Everett, WA; who he thought of as a son, Joe Guerin, Helena, MT; two brothers, Robert (Janell) Dietz, Helena, MT; Timothy (Judy) Dietz, Nortonville, KY; sisters, Yvonne (Darrell) Allen; Elizabeth “Liz” Whaley, Las Vegas, Nevada; Grandchildren, Ryan Dietz, Goose Creek, SC; Nathan Dietz; Amber (Dillon) Brittain, Spokane, WA; Alycia Nelson, Everett, WA; two great grandchildren, Talen and Tristan Brittain, Spokane, WA and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John William Dietz and Alice Christie Thibaudeau; brothers, Jack and George Dietz; sister Jacqueline (Melvin) Taylor.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 18, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. Sixth Ave. Interment with full military honors will immediately follow at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will be held at John’s home, 1630 Phoenix Ave., following interment.
Memorials in John’s memory may be sent to the Helena Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. www.mtlchs.org. To offer the family condolences or share a memory of John, please visit below.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 18, 2013
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
12:00 p.m.
Monday March 18, 2013
Forestvale Cemetery with Military Honors
490 Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Monday March 18, 2013
John's Home
1630 Phoenix Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 18, 2013
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
12:00 p.m.
Monday March 18, 2013
Forestvale Cemetery with Military Honors
490 Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Monday March 18, 2013
John's Home
1630 Phoenix Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Roy G. Posorskisr says
I wish I could be there, John & I were like brothers ever since teen agers. I lived whith his family off & on. God bless the family & John is in the best home with our lord .
Toni Schnablegger says
To the dietz family, My deepest sympathy for each of you at this time. Im looking to get ahold of Tina, George, Anna or Wayne. Please contact me at 406-521-0394. sincerely Toni Schnablegger
Bev & Chuck Guerin says
To the Dietz family, we are sorry for your loss. John will be missed. He was a talented wood-worker. Every one who received one of his projects thought themselves lucky to receive such beautiful art. My son Joe thought of him as dad.
Joe Guerin says
John was a true friend he will be missed Love you pa Dietz
Tara Guerin says
John will always be remembered.. he always put a smile on my face with his sense of humor always greeted me with “hows my sweetheart ? ” Love you john … rest in peace
Nancy (Grubb) Miner says
We are so very sorry for your loss. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared,
comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Anna Dietz says
I miss you more than words can say. I don’t know how I am suppose to go on with you not in my life. I look at your grandchildren and see you in them. I can take comfort in knowing they wil grow up the best they can be thanks to the way you raised me. I love you so very much. Until we meet again.
Anna