Charles "Chuck" Dietrich

With sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grand father, Charles “Chuck” Leroy Dietrich. Chuck lived a full and joyful life, transitioning peacefully on August 13, 2025 at home surrounded by family. Chuck will be missed by those who knew him as a loving presence and conveyer of wit and wisdom. The only thing that came close to his love for family was travel and his passion for baseball and the Arizona Wildcats. His passion for travel led to all corners of the country and he could recall years later every place he’d stayed.

Chuck was born in Peoria on October 8, 1927, the son of Charles V. and Beulah F. (Morgan) Dietrich. He graduated from Mason City High School, Mason City, Illinois, and attended the University of Arizona in Tucson. He was a member of the University of Arizona Alumni Association and the Arizona Wildcat Athletic Club. A World War II Army veteran, Chuck first served in the Army as a railroad brakeman and then as a military policeman at Los Alamos, New Mexico, attaining the rank of Sergeant and awarded a World War II Victory medal. He married the love of his life, Helen Louise Sweeter on December 31, 1950 in Pekin and together they enjoyed 74 years of marriage. He always joked with their marriage on New Year’s Eve that Helen was a great last- minute tax deduction.

Chuck worked at Pekin Insurance for 36 years, retiring as a field claim manager in 1989.

Chuck was proud of his 71 years as a Master Mason and lifetime member of Mason City, Illinois’ Masonic Lodge #403 and Greenview Lodge #653. He was also a 50-year member of Scottish Rite Masonry, Springfield, Illinois.

At 92, Chuck returned to Tucson for homecoming. When the school learned that a 92-year-old alumnus was attending the pre-game bonfire and tailgate party, he was greeted by the mascots and a throng of students wanting their pictures taken with him!

Chuck was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin.

Surviving are Chuck’s beloved wife and partner in life, Helen; his three children, Debra Dietrich of Woodstock, Deanna (Jay) Harper and Dennis (Judy) Dietrich, both of Pekin; five grandchildren, Danielle Harper, Jennifer (Ron) Rhodes, Josh Harper, Jeri (Justin) Dietrich-Clark and Brandon (Kimberly) Dietrich, all of Pekin; and eleven great-grandchildren, Cali, Brooklyn, Kaiden, Noah, Current, Koen, Story, Leo, Brees, Dawson and Alyvia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers (Tom and Joe) and one great-grandson, Chase Joseph Rhodes.

A special thank you to Compassus Hospice and Kyle’s Care at Home for your compassion and care of Charles and Helen.

Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. No services or visitation are planned at this time. Inurnment will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.