Robert R. Dietiker

Services will be held at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, MO. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Monday, November 30, and funeral service will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, December 1. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, adjacent to Memorial.

Robert was born on July 11, 1920 in Monticello, IA, the firstborn child of John and Mary Guyan Dietiker. He married Carolyn D. Matheny on June 16, 1951 in St. Louis where they made their first home and raised their children. She preceded him in death on May 4, 2007.

He served his country in the Army Air Force during World War II, from 1942-1946, reaching the rank of CPL in the 544th Single Engine Flying Training Squadron at Luke Field, AZ. His main military occupation was as an airplane and engine mechanic and Crew Chief.

Although he worked at many jobs, he spent most of his married life as an Ironworker and retired in 1985. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, witnessing to the grace he had found in Jesus; and music, often entertaining others by his masterful playing of the harmonica, and the spoons, and singing and yodeling.

He was a member of Columbia Baptist Church and a past member for many years of Victory Christian Fellowship in Mexico, MO, where his oldest son was pastor.

He is survived by his children: Suzanne (Cleve) Sylcox, St. Charles, MO, John Michael Dietiker, Waynesville, NC, Crystal (Bill) Goldkamp, Defiance, MO, Kerry (Rosa) Dietiker, Columbia, MO, Deborah (Mark) Gandy, Fayette, MO; one sister, Helen Ehlts, Anamosa, IA, two brothers: Richard Dietiker, Prairieburg, IA, James (Beverly) Dietiker, Richland, MO; twelve grandchildren: Danielle Hanna, Josh Sylcox, Nathan R. Dietiker, Nathan E. Dietiker, Brock Gandy, Clifford Dietiker, Emily Gandy, Tyler Goldkamp, Kyle Sylcox, Drew Gandy, Luke Goldkamp, Rachel Goldkamp, and five great grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, Lucille Klima, and Dorothy Schmit, both of Monticello, IA; and a third sister who died in infancy.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who loved his Lord, his family, his friends, and his country.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his name to the Alzheimers Association.