Karl H. Dietz

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GAYLORD - Karl H. Dietz, age 69, of Gaylord, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, at the Sibley Medical Center in Arlington.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord, with Reverend Fredric Hinz officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, and 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at Egesdal Funeral Home in Gaylord. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com Please click on obituaries and guest book.

Karl Henry Dietz was born on Nov. 27, 1940, in Sibley Township, Sibley County, Minnesota. He was the son of Charles and Erna (Quast) Dietz. Karl was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Gaylord. He was a 1958 graduate of the Gaylord High School. Karl's father, Charles, passed away when Karl was 13, and he had to help on the farm.

On Dec. 2, 1961, Karl was united in marriage to Diane Sommer at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord. After their marriage, the couple resided on the farm site in Sibley Township. Karl farmed for 40 years and had dairy and beef cattle. He also raised crops. Karl was employed as a custodian at Sibley East Schools in Gaylord for 13 years. He continued to fill in part-time and loved the staff (teachers and aides) and students. Karl and Diane were blessed with three children, and they shared 48 years of marriage.

Karl was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord, since 1961, where he served several terms as past president of the church, past school board member for several years, usher, and in the Immanuel Men's Club. He was the current treasurer of Sibley Township.

Karl enjoyed horses, watching westerns, camping, hiking, and time with family, especially his grandchildren. He had a love of the country and his life on the farm. Karl loved helping people, was a devoted husband and always had a concern for his family and others. He had a great sense of humor. Karl enjoyed hard work and he taught his children a strong work ethic. He loved to spend time playing games with his grandchildren.

Karl is survived by his wife, Diane Dietz of rural Gaylord; children,Terry Ziesmer and her husband, Jay of Savage, Mark Dietz and his wife, Jennifer of Ham Lake , and Jeff Dietz and his wife, Julie of Woodbury; grandchildren, Will and Brett Ziesmer; Parker and Tanner Dietz; Grace, Clare, and Alexa Dietz; a sister, Joann Kolbaske and her husband, Victor of Winthrop; brother-In-law, John Sommer and his wife, Karen of Gibbon; nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.

Karl was preceded in death by his parents. He will be sadly missed, but we must give him up to his Lord's heavenly care. Blessed be his memory.