William E. Dietrich, Jr.
September 19, 1944 - July 8, 2014

William Bill Dietrich was born on September 19, 1944 in Minneapolis, MN and was called home to Heaven on July 8, 2014. He was 69 years old.Bill grew up in Evanston, IL and attended undergraduate school at Carleton College in Northfield, MN where he earned a B.A. in Mathematics. He continued his education at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, receiving a Ph.D. in Mathematics in 1970. He taught in the UT-Austin Math Department for 5 years and then left academia to pursue other interests and chose to make Austin his home.Bill was a wonderful provider for his family and a good steward of the Lords resources. He taught himself architecture and all the building trades, and single-handedly built houses, duplexes and remodels (sometimes with the help of Wendy, his wife, and with much grace from God.) He was a kind and generous landlord, preferring to keep rents low to help those who couldnt afford rising housing costs in Austin. Also, for 25 years, he was a private math tutor for university courses, again charging less than the going rate to make it affordable for college students.An avid tennis player, Bill played in Division 1 leagues and taught tennis lessons. He also loved to ride his bike on long 20-mile trips through Austin. Bill was a true music lover, amassing a collection of over 4,000 CDs of which he most loved classical and jazz. He enjoyed playing his amazing tweaked stereo for visitors, nearly always being able to find a CD of their choice. Beautiful music filled his home continually.Bill married his Northwestern University sweetheart, Wendy Laskin, in 1971, and they were married for 43 precious years. They have three sons: Seth, Harlan and Tim who are a constant source of joy and support. Seth and Maggie live in Milwaukee, WI and have Ella (11) and Isaiah (8). Harlan and Tim reside in Austin, and Tim and Pam have Will (almost 3) and Evan (9 months). Bill loved seeing his children and grandchildren and shared much of his experience and wisdom with them. Little Will (named after his Papa) loves the huge wooden train set Bill bought for him and the big bag of Lego.Bill and Wendy both came to faith in Jesus in 1977 during a time of personal crisis. Bill loved Gods Word and taught Bible studies in his home for 10 years and Bible classes in various churches. Wendy called him the walking concordance, being able to bring from memory so many Scriptures just for the right moment, and he was well versed in Church history. Jesus became sweeter and dearer to Bill through the years, especially while facing the health challenges of prostate cancer in 1998 and then multiple myeloma cancer from 2006 until his passing. He was courageous and faithful in his many struggles, often saying, Gods grace is sufficient for me and His strength is made perfect in my weakness. 2 Cor 12:9Bill also leaves 2 sisters: Louise Robb (husband, Bill Robb) of Barrington, IL and Anne Horne of Evanston, IL and a number of nieces and nephews.Wendy and her sons want to thank all who have come alongside them during these trials and afflictions. Your prayers and many outpourings of love and support are appreciated more than words can express. You have truly been the hands and feet and heart of Christ to us. A special thanks goes to Dr. Beth Hellerstedt and her nurse, Jennifer, who lovingly and skillfully cared for Bill for nearly 8 years at Texas Oncology.Thanks also to the great folks at Compassus Hospice.We look forward to the day when we will re-unite with Bill, our most beloved Husband, Father, Brother, and Friend, together forever in the Glorious Presence of the Lord.For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 1 Cor 13:12A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at Kinney Avenue Christian Fellowship, 1801 Kinney Avenue, Austin,

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