"I just wanted to share an encouraging scripture with your family at John 5:28,29 it says "do not marvel at this because the hour is coming on which all those in memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". This is definitely a time that all of us wait for, to see our loved ones again. "
In loving memory of
James Rein Deitrich
June 8, 1920 - April 21, 2014
James Reine Deitrich (Jim), 93, of Keokuk, Iowa, died on April 21, 2014 at River Hills Village in Keokuk. Jim was born on June 8, 1920 in Keokuk, Iowa.
Jim graduated from Keokuk Senior High in 1938. Following graduation, he went to work for the U.S. Postal Service. At the beginning of World War II, Jim was granted military leave and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1942. He was assigned to the 3rd Corps Signal Battalion of the 3rd Marines Amphibious Corps where he reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. He saw duty in operations in the South Pacific Theater that culminated with the Japanese surrender, as well as in China. After nearly four years of service in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, Jim returned to the US on Christmas Eve, 1945.
He married Charlotte Kentfield Van Ausdall on November 26, 1951. Jim and Charlotte enjoyed traveling and visiting elder hostels and many of our Nation's beautiful National Parks, picnicking by the Mississippi River with friends and family, and attending Jim's Marine Corp reunions all over the country. Jim was a firm believer in the value of education and received degrees from Carthage College and Western Illinois University, including a Masters Degree in counseling. Following WWII, Jim returned to the Post Office where he was a letter carrier for many years, and retired on July 1, 1976 as Supervisor of Mail. Following retirement, he worked for the City of Keokuk in the lab at the City's waste water treatment plant.
Jim was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he served as Scoutmaster to Troop 43 for nine years. Jim very much enjoyed his time and travels with his scouts. He was a charter member of Lee County Historical Society and a longtime member of American Legion Post 41. Jim was also a member of the YMCA for 77 years and stayed active and healthy with his daily swim.
He was preceded in death by his father and his mother, Lily Skrukrud, his brothers Charles, Lloyd, Cecil, and Dale, and his wife Charlotte on December 25, 1996.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Carla Van Ausdall Celania, and son-in-law, Stephen Celania, of Keokuk; granddaughter, Lisa Celania, of Denver, Colorado; grandson, Paul Celania, and his wife, Kelly, of Hamilton, Illinois; great-grandsons, David and Luke Celania, also of Hamilton; two sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.
A service celebrating Jim's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2014, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk, with Pastor Missy Brown officiating. Visitation with the family will precede the service at 10:00 am at the church. Burial with military rites will be held at Keokuk National Cemetery immediately following the service.
Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or Keokuk Union Depo.
Tributes
"I remember Jim when I was growing up in Keokuk. I would chat with him from time to time when he was a mail man. He knew my mother and lots of her friends from school. He will be missed."
"Jim's smile, friendship and the life lessons he taught us as our Scout Master will always be with me. I too remember the long Canada trip and I share many other great memories of long hikes, weekend camping trips and a safe and fun place to gather each week. Jim lead by example and I am so thankful to have known "Bundy". "
"Jim was a true leader to me as a scout master of troop 43. My fondest scout memory with Jim was our canoe trip to Canada traveling over 150 miles round trip. We had the experience of encountering bears that came into our camp and pillaged our food. How exciting it was for us. And he was always there for us. Jim was an inspiration and loved his position as a scout leader as it showed in his leadership. I will always remember him fondly. "
"I just remember Uncle Jim being so happy . A wide smile on a joyful face . All we can want in life is to be happy. To live life every day to it fullest . I believe he did that . I am Sarah's daughter. I know mom enjoyed speaking to and seeing Uncle Jim. May you find peace in knowing your father/grandfather/great grandfather will live on in you . "
"You were respectful , honest and I was always so happy you took the time to listen to me and let me ask difficult questions of you despite how sad the story was you told me. You were ageless to me and loved hearing how you would take a train into the city for a show and return home. Heaven gain a gentleman because we lost one. With much love and respect . Gail"
"Please accept our sympathy. Jim always greeted everyone with a smile. We are sure he will be missed. "
"It is so easy to not stay in contact with people in our far too busy world. Jim has been one of those that I did not stay in contact with but thought about often. As others have mentioned Jim was more than a Scoutmaster to many of us. Jim was a friend, a mentor and all round good "bundy". As I have worked with Scouts and trained Scout Leaders I have many time held Jim up as a true leaders and someone who lived all the good things of scouting. He deeply cared about every young man whose life he touched. His teachings and his mentoring will live on for years to come. Jim taught lessons about "doing your best to do your duty to God, country and others" RIP Jim Deitrich you were a great man and continue to be a great role model to many."
"As another of those fortunate young men who had "Bundy" as my Scoutmaster, it is hard express the impact that he had on our lives. He taught us the Scouting virtues with a healthy dose of respect, honesty and love. He was a father figure to each of us who taught with words where possible and a 2x4 when necessary. But never with anything but our best interests in mind. A Scoutmaster among Scoutmasters. A leader extraordinaire. A man we all saw as a guiding star to follow."
"Jim, or should I say Bundy, will be missed. I was one who benefitted greatly from Jim's leadership as a scoutmaster. He was truly dedicated to our troop and made sure that we learned not only scout lessons but life lessons as well. He was an inspiration to not only me but to a number of other young men who participated in his troop. So many memories not the least of which was our Canadian canoe trip. Thanks to Jim, we are all better off!"
"Our deepest sympathies to all of Jim's family. We will miss our telephone calls with Jim. He was so much fun to talk and laugh with. What a great spirit. If we all could live as good and long a life that Jim had. He gave me so much inspiration and hope and made me feel good when I was down. We will all truly miss him. At least he's with his bride, Charlotte, in heaven now. God speed, Jim, and God bless. -- Jane, McGee, Josh & Anne and Zach Deitrich "
"Mr. Dietrich was a great neighbor. My mom and I moved to Franklin St in 1994 and he was our neighbor. He was always visiting with us and I remember him walking with his wife. I feel very sad today. "
"I truly enjoyed the time I spent with Mr. Deitrich earlier this year. A perfect gentleman with a quick wit. Prayers for your comfort during this tough time. Alan and Melissa (RN) Brewer"
"Steve, Carla & family, my prayers & sympathy in the loss of Jim. He was such a great guy. He & my Dad had many good visits at the old shop as well as on their trips over to college. He sure lived a long life for which I know you are thankful for. Sincerely, Martha Barclift"
"My Uncle Jim has been my hero as long as I can remember. His service, of course, but I also was always impressed with his years and years of night school culminating with his Masters. He was the most positive, cheerful and upbeat man I've ever known. I'm happy he and Charlotte are reunited and know Heaven's great gain today is our family's great loss. God bless you Uncle Jim..."