| |
 |
In Loving Memory
E. Ralph Dietz
11/14/1920
-
1/10/2010
|
|
Edward Ralph Dietz
Edward Ralph Dietz, 89, of Clarion died Sunday, January 10, 2010 in his home.
Born November 14, 1920, in Clarion, he was the son of the late Edward and Cordella Shirey Deitz of Clarion.
Mr. Dietz served in the 93rd Squadron under the 19th Bombardment Group Army Air Force in the Pacific as Staff Sergeant as an Airplane Maintenance Technician from March 1941 until he was honorably discharged in August 1945. While in the Army Air Force he served in WWII as a Belly Gunner on B-17s, participated in over 60 missions as a Combat Crew Member, was awarded an Air Medal, and awarded the Presidential Citation three times.
He later retired from Owens-Illinois Glass Plant in Clarion after 30 years of service.
Mr. Dietz was a member of the 19th Bombardment Group Association, a 54 year member of Clarion Lodge No. 277 F. & A.M., a 44 year member of Zem Zem Shrine in Erie, a former member of Clarion Co. Shrine Club, and charter member of the Clarion Co. Trykes with whom he rode with in many parades.
He enjoyed working in his garage fixing up lawn mowers and going to his camp in Marienville.
Mr. Dietz was married July 22, 1942 to the former Rachel May Curtis in Longreach, Queensland, Australia, who preceded him in death April 13, 2007.
He is survived by one son, Edward Mark Deitz and his wife, Carolyn, of Miola; three grandchildren, Mark Deitz and his wife, Patt, of Clarion; Sheila Watson and her husband, James, of Leeper; Dana Deitz of Denver, Colorado; one step grandson, Andrew Rader of Tionesta; one great-granddaughter, Pauline Shaffer, of Leeper; three step great-grandchildren, Philip Maya and Joseph Maya both of Spokane, Washington; Karen Santiago and her husband, Carlos, of Shippenville; and three step great-great-grandchildren, Kaylnn Maya of Spokane, Washington; and Carlos and Rhiyah Santiago of Shippenville. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Edith Deitz, of Reidsburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to Mr. Dietz’s wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Naylor and Wanda Jean Myers; and one brother, Donald Deitz.
Visitation will be held from 7-9 Thurs, 2-4, 7-9 Friday at the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory, 330 Wood St, Clarion. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Sat. from the funeral home with Rev. Randy Evans, Clarion Forest VNA Hospice Chaplain officiating. Interment will follow in Miola Cemetery, Highland Township. Full military honors will be preformed prior the the funeral services by Clarion American Legion Post 66. Masonic Services will be given at 7:30 on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Clarion Forest Visiting Nurse Association Hospice, PO Box 668, Knox, PA 16232 or Shriners Hospitals Erie Unit HTF, Zem Zem Shrine, 2525 West 38th Street, Erie, PA 16506
On line condolences may be sent by going to www.goblefh.net.
|
|
Online Condolences
From:
BJ Frampton
Clarion
Pa.
Relationship:
friend of the Dietz family
Sincere sympathy to the Dietz family.Losing Ralph is like losing a family member of our own, as our families do go way back. He will be missed.
Sent:
1/11/2010
|
From:
The Badens
Crosshaven
Ireland
Relationship:
Mark's cousin
Love you much. I remember when Ralph and Rae would go to camp they would stop to see Mom & Dad. Remember the great lives & the good times they had-life was good and now their "lives" are better than ever!
Sent:
1/12/2010
|
From:
Jay Van Bruggen
Grand Rapids
Michigan
Relationship:
Friend and customer
I extend my smpathy to his family. He was an excellent mechanic and always gave me straitforward and honest advice. I convinced my father to buy a lawnboy, on his advice, and he was always very happy with it. He and his wife were wonderful people and I will always remember them.
Sent:
1/12/2010
|
From:
Alice and Gus Rostek
Pittsburgh
pa
Relationship:
sister of Edith Deitz
To Eddy and family. We wish to send our condolences. We new your family for a long long time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sent:
1/12/2010
|
From:
Phyllis & Brad
Palm Bay
Florida
Relationship:
Mark's sister-in-law (Patt's sister)
Godspeed Mr. Dietz! May God bless you, you are a true American hero!! Although I never had the honor of meeting Mr. Dietz, I have heard, from Patt, his courageous exploits as a Belly Gunner in WWII! He miraculously survived two crashes. God saved him for a reason! Now rest in peace sir, and be happy to be beside your beautiful bride again.
Sent:
1/12/2010
|
From:
Barbara and Kevin Schulz
Melbourne
Florida
Relationship:
Grandson Mark's sister-in-law
Mr Deitz,
We enjoyed meeting you in October. We loved hearing of your adventures and looking at all your memorabilia of World War II. You are a true American from the greatest generation! We are honored we met you and I'm glad you liked my cooking! I believe there is a special place in heaven for patriots like you. Soldier on! Hoo-ah!
Sent:
1/13/2010
|
From:
Ken and Phyllis Bledsoe
Fort Collins
Colorado
Relationship:
friend
On July 13, 1942 my father, Vernon Elder, and Ralph Dietz, both gunners on a B-17 bomber heading for a mission over New Guinea crashed into Torres Straits soon after take off from Horn Island, Queensland, Australia. They were both injured in the crash yet managed to stay afloat until rescued by the Aussies an hour later. Two young Americans, far from home, came of age together serving their country and helping to defend Australia.
Over the past two years of research, Ralph and I became friends through our numerous e-mails, letters and pictures; and in 2008 my wife and I flew out to Pennsylvania to meet Ralph in person. Mark and Patti
were our gracious hosts. Throughout this time Ralph became a valued friend and we were honored to spend time with him. We will cherish his memory...always.
Sincerely,
Ken and Phyllis Bledsoe
Fort Collins, Colorado
Sent:
1/13/2010
|
From:
Emi Clayton
Brisbane
Queensland
Relationship:
Neice
All your family and friends in Australia are thinking of you at this time.Good memories are held by all.
Our Deepest Sympathy to all the Family.
Don"t forget your Australian Relatives.
Love David, Emi, Iris, Irene,Fay, Beryl,Ian and all the families
Sent:
1/15/2010
|
|
|
Send an Online Condolence
View Printer-Friendly Page
|
|
|