David Curt Dietrich

David (Dave) was born November 5, 1937, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Curt and Linda Dietrich. In his early years, he moved with his parents and younger brother, Robert, to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where the foundations of his character and values began to take shape.

He attended Franklin High School, and although he first met Roberta Meaghan in seventh grade, it wasn’t until senior year, when she asked him to a Sadie Hawkins dance, that their story truly began. From that moment on, they were a perfect match.

David went on to attend Iowa State University, where he pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering. During his time there, he was part of a close-knit group of friends affectionately known as the “Peanuts Gang,” where he was playfully nicknamed “Pig Pen” an ironic title for someone who would later become known for his meticulous nature. Whether making a military bed corner or wrapping a present with such care that the folds formed a design.

During his college years, he would hitchhike between Iowa State and the University of Iowa, where Roberta was attending school, to spend time together, a testament to his devotion even then. He later proposed, and they were married on February 7, 1959. They shared 63+ wonderful years of marriage until Roberta’s passing on November 25, 2022.

After tying the knot, the couple moved to Chicago where David completed an internship, and then returned to Ames, Iowa so he could finish his degree. They later settled in the Bay Area, where David started his career with Standard Oil. There, they welcomed their first two daughters, Barbara and Rebecca. With a desire to raise their family in the Midwest, they moved to Peoria, Illinois, in 1966, where David began a 34-year career with Caterpillar, and their family was completed with the birth of their third daughter, Laura.

A man of deep and abiding faith, David lived his life guided by a quiet trust in God. His faith was evident not only in what he believed, but in the kindness and grace with which he treated others. He was a man of integrity, whose word could be trusted and whose actions reflected the strong moral conviction of someone who walked faithfully in the path of Jesus.

His commitment to Grace and Peace Lutheran Church was constant and wholehearted. Over the years, he served in a variety roles, on the church council, in Stephen Ministry, as Chairman of the Financial Ministry, as a Sunday school teacher, scripture reader, theatrical portrayals of biblical figures and usher. He was also a dedicated leader in the Bethel Bible Series, always willing to show up and serve wherever he was needed.

Later in life, David felt a calling that beautifully blended his love of reading with his love of Christ, leading him into prison ministry. He often said he went in thinking he would be the one doing the teaching, but in true David fashion, he opened his heart and mind and came away feeling just as blessed by what the men taught him.

A naturally curious man, David showed a genuine interest in people and an appreciation for thoughtful conversation and continued learning. He had a remarkable gift for asking the questions others were thinking, always with warmth and ease, making those around him feel seen, heard, and valued.

He found great joy in his lifelong passions: a love of trains, for travel, and a respect for exploring and preserving our National Parks. Some of his happiest moments were spent behind the wheel of his beloved 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency, as ‘King of the Road’ while he cruised along Route 66. He completed the iconic 2,000-mile journey end to end a few times. Dave enjoyed a round of golf and time with friends as well as both grandsons. Although at the end of most outings he often quoted one of his favorite authors, Mark Twain, that it was “a good walk spoiled.”

Above all, David was devoted to his family. He loved unconditionally and faithfully, offering steady support, wisdom, and encouragement to his wife, his three daughters, his grandchildren, and all those closest to him. He found his greatest joy in time spent together, family vacations, movie nights, game nights, picnics, apple picking, and Christmas tree hunting. Whatever it might be, he loved doing with his family. Till the end he lovingly greeted his three daughters with a warm, familiar, “Hi, Kiddo.” and when departing “Be Safe.” And “God Bless You.” Words they will miss more than can be expressed.

He was a loving and engaged grandfather, whom his grandchildren affectionately called “Papa.” They will miss his big hugs, his laugh, his attentive listening ear, his kind heart, and his “Papa scoops” of ice cream.

He will be deeply missed for his kindness, steady support, wisdom, contagious laughter, and warm hugs. His presence was a gift that shaped all who knew and loved him. We will honor his memory by living with the same faith and integrity he modeled. We take comfort in knowing he is at peace in the presence of Jesus.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21

He is survived by his three daughters Barbara Purple, Rebecca Genz, Laura McCloskey (John), five grandchildren (Steven, Jake, Luke, Jackson, and Logan), and three great grandchildren, sisters-in-law: Joan Vahey, Judy Dietrich, Peggy Dietrich and many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed by his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Curt and Linda (Allmandinger) Dietrich, his loving wife of 63+ years, Roberta (Meaghan) Dietrich, and his brother, Robert Dietrich.

His daughters wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to Apostolic Christian Skylines of Peoria for the exceptional care and compassion shown to their father over the past four years. He was treated with kindness, dignity, and respect. Such devoted care brings comfort and peace.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. From 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM for viewing and 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM to share “DCD Stories.” This is a special time to hear stories from those that Dave impacted during his life. A funeral service will be held at 11:05 am., on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Grace and Peace Lutheran Church. Further visitation will be held at the church prior to the service from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Lunch will be served after the funeral service ends.

In Lieu of flowers, Dave would ask that you bless someone with a simple act of kindness and give someone a hug. Memorials can be made to Grace and Peace Lutheran Church, National Public Radio (NPR), or National Park Foundation (NPF).

Condolences and memories may be shared through Woolsey-Wilton.com