Helen Louise Dietrich

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grand mother, Helen Louise Sweeter Dietrich passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 in her home, surrounded by family. Helen was loved by everyone who knew her for her kind heart and eagerness to help when needed. She transitioned two weeks after the death of Charles “Chuck” Dietrich, her husband of 74 years and love of her life. Helen’s passion for travel took her to every state in the country including Alaska on a family cruise and Hawaii for her 49th anniversary. The only thing she loved more than travel was her family, serving a Sunday midday meal for years for her children, grand-children, and great grand-children, taking delight in bringing them together weekly. She will be deeply missed by family, neighbors, and friends.

Helen was born in Pekin, Illinois, on July 1, 1930 the daughter of George H. and Nellie P. (Oltman) Sweeter. She attended Pekin’s Brush Hill School, a one-room school house, where she was taught by Mr. Mayer for eight straight years, and graduated from Pekin High School in June 1948. Following graduation, she worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria until 1952. She married Chuck on December 31, 1950.

While raising her children, Helen worked part-time for Tazewell County, first in the County Clerk’s office and later for the Treasurer’s office. She retired from the County in 1994 after 28 years of service.

Helen was a volunteer and active member of several organizations in Pekin. She was president of Mother’s Club at the school her kids attended; was active in Grace Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and presiding as chairman of the Precilla Circle of the woman’s society; and was a volunteer with the Pekin Hospital Auxiliary for 10 years. In addition, she was a member of the Hoe and Hope Garden Club, finally hanging up her rake when she realized she lacked a green thumb.

Helen further belonged to the American Business Women’s Association for 10 years, helping provide scholarships to high school graduates for post-high school education. She also worked tirelessly to plan and organize her high school class reunions every 5 years for 65 years.

Surviving are Helen’s 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) Clark and Brandon (Kim) Dietrich, all of Pekin; and eleven great-grandchildren, Cali, Brooklyn, Kaiden, Noah, Current, Koen, Story, Leo, Brees, Dawson and Alyvia.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, Carl, 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.

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.