Owen Dietrich
September 1, 1932 ~ June 11, 2022
Owen Arthur Dietrich, 89, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, peacefully passed away Saturday, June 11, 2022, surrounded by his family.
Funeral Mass for Owen is planned for Saturday, November 19, 2022, at St Pius X Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be 9-10:30 a.m., followed immediately by the funeral mass, then military honors. Relatives and friends are invited to a luncheon at the church hall following the services. A private inurnment will take place at a later date. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services.
Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Owen's Tribute Wall and share your support and memories with his family.
Owen was born September 1, 1932, in Guttenberg, Iowa, to Cornelius 'Forest' and Pearl (Schloetzer) Dietrich. Owen served in the US Army and Air Force during the Korean War. He was a 62-year member of the American Legion.
On November 27, 1952, Owen and Lorraine Meehan were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa. They started their family in Dubuque, then moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for Owen's job. Owen later owned and operated Owen's Kitchens until he retired.
To know Owen was to love him. He never met a stranger. He cherished his family, including his many nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews. Owen was grateful for the blessing of 89 wonderful years.
Surviving are his wife of 69 years, Lorraine, of Cedar Rapids; five children, Diane (Max) Reusch of St Louis, Missouri, Donald (Virginia) of Albany, Illinois, Daniel (April) and Darla (Daniel) Lowe of Marion, Iowa, and David (Raquel) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; siblings-in-law, Phyllis Dietrich of Dubuque, Iowa, Bonnie Dietrich of Garnavillo, Iowa, Mae McCarty, Shirley Kane, Frannie and Larry Breitbach, Richard and Glady Meehan, all of Dubuque, Iowa, and James 'Red' and Judy Meehan of Williamsburg, Virginia; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Arlene Dietrich of Dubuque, Iowa; brothers, LeRoy Dietrich of Dubuque, Iowa, and Verdean Dietrich of Garnavillo, Iowa; siblings-in-law, Jack McCarty, Don and Pat Balk, Stanley Kane, Denny and Mickey McCarthy, and Denny and Donna Runde, all of Dubuque, Iowa.
Owen was a charter member of St. Pius X Catholic Church.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choosing.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
The entire Dietrich family are some of my favorite memories as a kid. They were always very friendly and good people. The passing of Mr. Dietrich is sad to see, although I’m sure he is in a great place now. God bless the entire family.
Our sympathy to all the family. Owen and Loraine were great friends anytime we met. We will all will miss Owen’s smile and handshake. May God bless the family at this sad time. Steve & Carol Norton
Please know you all have my very deepest sympathy. Owen was such a good and gentle man. Lorraine, the deep love between the two of you is an inspiration to all who know you. “MY BEST TO YOU!” Love, “Weedy”
Darla—-I am sorry for your loss but happy to have come across the beautiful tribute to your father. It’s father’s day and I just happened upon this obit in the Gazette. And there is our connection. You know I understand. Sending peace and love your way. Best, Kristin Hendricks
To all the Dietrich kids – Darla and Dan whom I know the best – I send my sympathies and condolences. Your dad was a great guy – I have wonderful memories of him and your whole family – and that great house on 34th! Your dad was sweet and caring – which is so evident that he and your mom were wonderful parents – just look at you kids! Love to all, will keep looking for when the services will be held. You were blessed to have him for a long time – I am sure he is watching from heaven with smiles for all of you.
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Owen for quite awhile when he worked part time as a driver. He was always smiling and quick with a joke or anecdote to brighten the day. People like him are rare in this world. Prayers for his family.
With heartfelt condolences,
I cherish so many great memories of Owen through the years but one of the things that stood out the most for me was when you were talking to him in a room of 150 relatives (not exaggerating) his ability to make you feel like you were the only one in the room at that moment. Condolences and all of our love to Lorraine and the entire clan! So sorry we were unable to make it for the services but we will be watching the stream and with you all in spirit.
Nita and Terry McCarthy
April & Dan
So sorry about Owen. We dont get the paper just heard about the funeral today. Our deepest sympathy to all the family and to your Mom.
Steve & Carol Norton
Owen and family were neighbors for many years. Owen taught his children how to work hard and be honest.
He was down to earth and one on the nicest people I ever met in all of my travels in the US.
Tom McGowan