Todd Alan Dietrich

Todd was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, beginning a lifelong love for the islands. Over the years, he and his beloved wife, Lori, returned there several times, and it was in Honolulu that they were married on March 24, 2001.

Todd grew up in Howell, Michigan, where he played football and baseball and cherished time spent on his grandparents’ farm. He often quoted his grandmother Merrill’s words: “Once a job has begun, don’t stop until it’s done.” From his grandfather, Todd gained a deep appreciation for tools, woodworking, and farming, skills and values that stayed with him throughout his life.

After high school, Todd worked at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island as a doorman, proudly wearing a top hat and tails. He remembered the other male staff members, who jokingly referred to their dormitory accommodations attached to the horse stables, as the “Shit House Hilton.”

Todd had a deep love for Michigan and was a devoted fan of the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings. He attended Michigan State University for a short time and remained a passionate Spartan fan throughout his life. He later joined the United States Navy, serving as a communications specialist for 4 years.

Following his military service, Todd moved to Indianapolis, where he worked for ATA Airlines in logistics and communications. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and traveling, and treasured visits with family in Detroit, including attending Detroit Tigers games and the Lions’ traditional Thanksgiving Day games.

After leaving Indianapolis, Todd began a long and dedicated career as a union plasterer. He spent 30 years with Rolling Plains Construction, working both in the field and in management.

Todd is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Lori Dietrich; his son, Tyler Dietrich and his wife, Olivia; and his cherished granddaughter, Gemma. He is also survived by his parents, Edward and Lynn Merrill Francis; his sister, Terri Heath and her husband Randy, and their children, Morgan and Braden Heath; his aunt Alice and Dr. Paul Watson; his uncle David Merrill; his cousins, Pat and Tami Miller and their children, Patrick and Alexis; and his step-brothers, Tameron Francis and his wife Anna, and Theron Francis and his wife Laura.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 S Dobson Road, Mesa, Arizona 85202, on April 17, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.