Robert E. Dietrich

Robert Eugene Dietrich, a kind and gentle man who believed strongly in God, family, and country, died peacefully, with family by his side, at Upland Hills Nursing and Rehab, on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Bob was born June 3, 1918, in Rockford, IL, the only child of Leo and Augusta (Scheibl) Dietrich. His mother died when he was six months old, so he was raised by his dad and his Aunt, Lillian Dietrich.

Bob spent his youth as an auto mechanic and musician, playing trombone in a small band. He served in the 485^th Bomb Group, 831^st Bomb Squadron, 15^th Air Force, during WWII, stationed in Italy where he flew 55 missions, on B-24s, over Europe and  North Africa. He met and married Beulah McDowell, the love of his life, a Cassville home economics teacher on July 6, 1949. Together they raised five children. After the War, he was employed at Dairyland Power Coop, and then he was a rural letter carrier holding several state positions. He later became Postmaster, and was instrumental in the building of the current Cassville Post Office. Ultimately, he found his real calling, when he took over Dietrich Insurance from his uncle, Julius. When Bob retired, he had offices in Cassville, Dickeyville, and Prairie du Chien. Over the years he was the consummate salesperson, and continued to sell Medical Air insurance even in his retirement. Bob was very civic-minded and was a founding member of the Cassville Lions Club and part of the first Cassville VFW, of which he has been a member for 67 years. He also helped organize and served on the Cassville Rescue Squad, and for several years, he ran the Cassville Twin-O-Rama. Additionally, he was part of the group that built the Senior Housing apartments in Cassville. Bob was equally active in his Church and the area Knights of Columbus where he attained the distinction of Grand Knight and the Fourth Degree Honor Guard.

After retirement, Bob and Beulah traveled to Italy, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Panama Canal, as well as many Bomber group reunions, as they made their winter home in  San Benito, TX, and maintained a summer home in Cassville, always with a faithful dog companion. Most recently, as his health declined, he has made his home in Dodgeville, first with his daughter,  Sharon, and then at CrestRidge Assisted Living, and, finally, at Upland Hills Nursing and Rehab.

Despite his many interests, Bobs greatest joy was family. He never missed a family event or milestone and his children and grandchildren knew they were his highest priority. His life lessons about faith and service to others will be a lasting legacy. His love of life, the ever-present twinkle in his eye, his contagious laugh and sense of humor were an inspiration to all who met him.

Bob is survived by his children, Sharon (Arch) Wimer, Dodgeville,WI; Janet (Pete) Peto, Juneau, WI;  Barb (Greg) Lenz, Cassville, WI; Pat (Barb) Dietrich, Oregon, WI; Michael (Jeanie) Dietrich, Pine Grove, PA.; eighteen grandchildren, three great-granddaughters ,brother-in law, Fritz McDowell, and sisters-in-law, Elsie McDowell, Ruby Shaw, and Ruth Freiheit. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Beulah (McDowell) Dietrich, and his parents, Leo and Augusta Dietrich.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 12 noon, on Monday, January 2, 2012, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville, with Father Patrick Wendler and Father David Flanagan presiding. Burial with military honors was in St. Charles Cemetery. Martin Funeral Home in Cassville is assisted the family.

Memorials may be made to the MS Society or American Cancer Society.