"Will always remember shooting with Ray at the Isaac Walton League in Muscatine over the years. A finer gentleman would be hard to find. A great ambassador for the sport. Ray's family has my deepest sympathy...."
In loving memory of
Raymond Dietrich
June 19, 1926 - August 10, 2020
RAYMOND DIETRICH
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Raymond L. Dietrich, 94, of Muscatine, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2020, at the University of Iowa.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home.
A private funeral service will be held. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kris Dietrich, Derek Dietrich, Nick Dietrich, Austin Dietrich, Brian Coggin, Mark Rhodes, and Jacob Rhodes. Memorials may be made to the American Legion #27 - Kerschenske Junior Air Rifle. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Raymond was born on June 19, 1926, in Muscatine, the son of William R. and Flora Huttig Dietrich. He married Rosalie 'Rosie' Hutt on June 8, 1952, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Muscatine.
He graduated from Muscatine High School in 1944. Ray worked for Grain Processing Corporation for 24 ½ years before retiring. He was a member of the American Legion #27, the VFW #1565 in Muscatine, the Masonic Lodge #2. Raymond was also a member of the Iowa State Rifle and Pistol Association, the Amateur Trapshooting Association, the National Rifle Association, and the Muscatine and West Liberty Rifle Club, where he taught trap shooting, pistols, and air rifles. Ray and Rosie received an award from the Iowa Rifle and Pistol Association last year.
Ray served in the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne. He loved fishing, dancing with his wife, Rosie, and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Rosie; two sons, Alek Dietrich and his wife, Joan, of Muscatine and Curt Dietrich and his wife, Lori, of Muscatine; eight grandchildren, Margaret Rhodes and her husband, Mark, Derek Dietrich, Sara Coggin and her husband, Brian, Shawn Young, Angie Crumly and significant other, Sam, Kris Dietrich and his significant other, Dilia, Nick Dietrich and his wife, Stephanie, Austin Dietrich and his significant other, Taylor; 15 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Eric; his daughter-in-law, Mary Dietrich; one grandson, Brandon Dietrich; one brother, Billy Dietrich; and one sister, Lila Failyer.
Tributes
"NEVER FORGET YOU RAY. THE FIRST GUY I WORKED WITH AT GPC WHEN BACK FROM THE NAVY IN 69. YOU NEVER FORGOT ME EITHER. I WILL SEE YOU ONE DAY SOON. "
"Rosie and family, I am so saddened to hear of Ray's passing, and he will be mourned and missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was such a great man, and advocate of youth shooting sports as well as a very kind and patient instructor. I was fortunate to get to work with him when I was a member of the Wilton Marksmen Shooting Sports 4-H Club in the late 1980's, where he affectionately (I hope) nicknamed me Matilda. Practice, practice, practice! Rest in peace, Ray!"
"Rosie, So sorry to hear of Ray's passing. He was a wonderful man. I especially admire him for his patience working with young people. He did much more than teach them how to shoot. Grateful to have known him. He will be missed. Praying you and your family will find Peace and Comfort in the days ahead. Nancy Panther"
"ROSIE AND FAMILY , WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, WE WILL MISS HIS GREAT SMILE AND HUMOR. HE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITHYOU AND THE FAMILY. LARRY AND LINDA ROBERSON"
"Aunt Rosie, We are so sorry for your loss. We are so sorry we could not come for Rays visitation.. He will be missed. Will never forget his great dance moves. love you all take care."
"I was one of Ray's student's in the air rifle course and went to many shooting competitions with him in the 90's. He was always a very calm, patient and caring man and was a positive influence in my life after my father died. I will always be grateful for my time knowing Ray. "
"We graduated together in 1944, and, we worked together for many years. Ray was much respected and admired by all who knew him. He deserved to be. I'll miss him. My sincere sympathy to you, Rosie and family. Dick Koll "
"Rosie, we are so sorry to hear of Raymond's passing. He was a very special, kind man. Always there to help a neighbor. He will be missed dearly. Hugs to you and the boys. Know that you are all in our prayers."
"Rosie, I?m so sorry to see that you?ve lost the love of your life. I didn?t know him, but he looks like a kind and gentle soul, just like you! What a pair! Hang onto all those great memories, which will help you get through the days ahead. Ruth Hunt"
"We are so sorry to hear about Ray?s passing. Rosie and family we have always loved having chance encounters at different events to catch up and laugh with you all. We?ll miss Ray?s smile. Sue Roelle"
"I am so sorry to hear this. Rosie and family you are in my thoughts and prayers. Ray was a sweet soul, always wore a smile and a twinkle in his eye. His love for Rosie makes my heart smile. Prayers for you all. -Katie Murphy "
"So sorry to learn of Ray's passing. Rosie, Alek, and Curt, I have the fondest memories of all your family and all the great times we had together while us kids were growing up. All the best, you are in our prayers. Ray and Beth Danz"
"So sorry to hear of Ray?s passing, all of you are in our thoughts and prayers."
"So sorry to hear read about Ray! He was such a special person and role model for so many young people. RIP Ray."
"Rosie and family---Ray was a special person---he loved life , his family, his friends,etc---he will be missed and never forgotten!! Bob an d Donna Carlson"