Sgt. Dietrich Kern Praska

Our country’s gratefulness is sadden with the tragic death of Sgt. Dietrich K. Praska, 22, of Keene, NH, who died as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident while returning from training at his unit in White River Junction Vermont, on November 13, 2024.

His parents, Theresa (Praska) Richards and Michael Basbagill, welcomed their son into the world on June 15, 2002 in Denver, Colorado.

Dietrich proudly served his country in the US Army Reserves as a mechanic, and at the time of his death, he was continuing to serve his country in the Army Reserves, earning the rank of Sergeant posthumously.

At the time of Dietrich’s death, he was also working as a corrections officer with the Cheshire County House of Corrections.

When not defending his country or protecting our community, Dietrich enjoyed the great outdoors, hiking and fishing. He loved playing video games; and animals found a special place in his heart. He also enjoyed watching all sports, especially football and basketball, and was very much in tune with stats for each sport.

He will be greatly missed by many, especially his brother, Cinjin Praska of Keene ; his mother, Theresa Richards and her husband, Brandon, of Marlborough, NH; his father, Michael Basbagill and his wife, Sheila, and their daughter Adalyne of Debary, FL; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Ruth Praska of Denver, CO; his paternal grandparents, Maggie and Bill Basbagill, of Lakewood, CO; his maternal aunt, Ruthanne Fennig and her husband, Jeff, and their children, Liam and Sabine, all of Denver; his paternal Aunt, Mary Erwin and her husband, Danny, and their children Gabrielle, Emma and Xavier, all of Lakewood; his step-grandparents, Jackee and Edwin Richards of Rindge, NH, with home he loved dinners with his Papa; his step-aunt, Marissa McDaniels and her husband Harry, of Hudson, NH; and many extended family that meant the world to him.

Services with military honors for Dietrich will be held privately by his Army Reserves Unit.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Dietrich’s memory to The Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Salisbury, MA.