Leon E Dietschweiler

Lee passed away on February 14, 2024 at St. Anthony’s Care Center in Waco, TX. He was born May 21, 1933 in Downers Grove, Illinois to the late Elmer Dietschweiler and Bernice (Sievers) Dietschwelier. He was a middle child of six, born of ambition, confidence, inner strength,and the ability to do anything he set his mind to doing. From the age of 8 years, Lee started working humble jobs, becoming known for his

drive and excellent work ethic. His gregarious and polite nature paired him with people in positions to offer interesting opportunities, all with God’s favor.

In 1953, during the Korean War era, Lee joined the United States Navy, enlisted as a Radarman on escort carriers, aircraft carriers and minesweepers, traversing the world for 2 ½ years on the USS Gilbert Islands, the USS Valley Forge, and the USS Thrush. His travels took him to Cuba and other Caribbean Island countries, Algiers, Algeria, the Mediterranean region, including Naples, Italy, and Athens, Greece,

as well as England, and a special honor from the captain where he and one other shipmate were selected out of a complement of nearly 4,000 sailors to tour Paris for 4 days. Lee was commissioned as a naval officer in 1955, and then he fortunately had shore leave in Charleston, South Carolina. It was there he met

Joan Elizabeth Edwards, another devoted Lutheran like himself who just by chance was at the same Catholic cotillion. Lee married Joan, the love of his life, on July 28, 1956, and went on to have a full and blessed life together, one in which they both diligently served the Lord in the Lutheran church.

After being honorably discharged from the United States Navy in January 1957, within the next month he had already joined the U.S. Navy Reserves and was also accepted to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania to pursue a BS in Accounting. While enrolled full time in his undergraduate studies, Lee also worked 56 hours a week at the Lankenau Hospital business office, a wonderful opportunity he discovered when Lee happened to cross paths with the business office manager. He continued this compressed schedule for the remainder of his time in Philadelphia.

Following graduation from University of Pennsylvania, Lee was accepted to HIS pick of four prestigious graduate programs and ultimately selected the specialty MBA Hospital Administration program at the University of Chicago. Typical of his strong drive and ambition, he completed the two-year program in 11 months, while still devoting time to being a husband and father to two small children (Karen, 1957 and Steven, 1961), and working full-time. The family was blessed with two more children (Kenneth, 1964 and Laura, 1970). Lee was active in the Navy Reserves from 1961-1983 and rose to the rank of Commander.

After completing a two-year hospital administration residency in Des Moines, Iowa, he held other positions in Columbus, Ohio, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Lee then accepted the CEO position of a national top 4% hospital at Providence Memorial Hospital in El Paso, Texas, a distinguished job he had aspired to hold

from the beginning. After 7 loyal years in El Paso, Lee moved the family to Concord, California to take on the CEO role at Mt. Diablo Hospital. Then he again changed gears and became a business owner and operator of two hotels, consecutively, in Montgomery, Alabama, and Corinth, Mississippi, over the next 25 years. During this incredible life, Lee was married to Joan for 66 years, and he was faithful to and held positions in each Lutheran church to which he belonged. He was proud to have raised four children who are all faithful Christ followers to this day.

Survivors include his children, Karen Dunkle and husband David of Waco, Texas, Steve Dietschweiler and wife Karen Lynn of Walnut Grove, Alabama, Ken Dietschweiler and wife Monique of Alabaster, Alabama, and Laura Anthony and husband Kevin of Cordova, Tennessee; and many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joan Dietschweiler; siblings Donald (Don), Charles (Chuck), Raymond (Ray), Carol, Robert (Bob).

As strenuous and busy as his life must sound, all who know him would say of him that he had these qualities of personality:

• He was kind, gentle, fun-loving, and witty.

• He was patient, NEVER EVER impolite and did not raise his voice.

• He was dignified in every way.

• He had the utmost integrity.

• He cared for people as a “DOER”, not a “FEELER”.

• He NEVER gave up, NEVER quit trying.

• He was generous, and secretly so, most of the time.

We ALL have stories of BIG things he has given us.One small quote we found in his writings was this:

“What is to remember from this? I started by washing golf clubs. Also, life has enough time to enjoy yourself.”

Lastly, and a most important thing to note. He was LOVED in this life, and love is also eternal.

• He was loved by his wife, Joan.

• He was loved by his children and their spouses: Karen, Steven, Kenneth, and Laura

• Their children and spouses: Jennifer, Kimberly, Nicholas, and Amber

• He was loved by his friends.

• He was loved by Jesus, who he professed as his Lord and Savior.

“Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

Online condolences can be left at www.MemorialCorinth.com for the Dietschweiler family.

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