GILBERT R. DIETZ

MUSCATINE, Iowa - Gilbert Dietz, 96, passed away on January 2, 2024, at Lutheran Living after a short illness.

Gilbert was born on April 1, 1927, in Rock Rapids, Iowa, the last of eight children born to William Dietz and Jessie (Hintze) Dietz. He graduated from Rock Rapids High School in May 1945 and was inducted into the Army in July of the same year. He was discharged in December 1946.

Following the service, Gil developed his skills as a reporter/photographer, working for several independent newspapers in the Midwest and Southwest, before returning to northwestern Iowa to work as a Reporter - Photographer in Orange City, Iowa. There he met Virginia Faye Bartels, and they were married in June 1957.

Together they moved to Muscatine, Iowa in 1958, where Gil began his career with the Muscatine Journal. From City Editor to Managing Editor, he would dedicate over 30 years to investigating and reporting, seeking to provide the community with accurate facts and thoughtful opinions. He especially enjoyed his weekly "Dear Aunt Sadie" column, which provided a personalized report of various current topics in an easy-to-read letter format.

Following retirement, Gil continued to submit Dear Aunt Sadie letters and developed a column called "Where are They Now" to report on the status of former community members. He enjoyed volunteering with community projects, such as the Pine Creek Grist Mill and Muscatine Art Center. An avid Hawkeye fan, Gil recently added women's basketball to the men's basketball and football lineup.

Gil was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Muscatine. In 2000 he began serving community meals on Sunday through the development of the Emmaus Café. A mission trip to Cipo, Brazil in 2001 was the beginning of a lasting partnership with its founder, Manoel Andrade, to support the development of PRECE, a learning cooperative to benefit students in the rural communities.

Preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings, Gil leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Virginia; three children, Daniel, Atlanta, GA, Rachel (Timothy Imhoff), Sarasota, FL, and Patrick (Lori), Tiffin, IA; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

All are welcome to a Celebration of Life scheduled for March 2, 2024, at 11 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Muscatine. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the First Presbyterian Church in Muscatine. 100% of funds collected will be used to support PRECE in Brazil. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com.

Service

Saturday, March 2, 2024

11:00 AM

First Presbyterian Church

401 Iowa Avenue Muscatine, Iowa 52761