Arthur Wilfred Dietz was born April 3, 1921, to Fred W. and Mary Elizabeth (Fabrizius) Dietz in Trego County, KS. Wilfred died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, September 28, 2011, in Wichita, KS. He celebrated his 90th birthday with his family and friends in April.


On April 25, 1942 he married Nina Brown in Hays, KS. Wilfred and Nina were married 54 years until her death on July 9, 1996.


Wilfred served his country during WWII in Europe. He was a retired farmer. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Wilfred was an accomplished clarinet and saxophone player. He was the world's greatest grandpa.


Survivors include his son, Dean of Wyandotte, OK; daughter, Sandra Woodin and son-in-law Charles of Wichita, KS; four granddaughters, Shelly Riedel, Erin Cates, Krista Dietz and Shannon Fagan; two great-grandchildren, Chase and Ava; sisters, Marilyn Hudson of Oklahoma City, OK and Rose Doxon of WaKeeney, KS; sister-in-law, Verda Dietz; brother-in-law, Elwin Bergstraesser; step-grandchildren, Susan and Evan Olson, Shelly Gillum and Stacy Woodin; step-great-grandchildren, Nicky, Shelby, Eliot, Katie and Grace; and step-great-great-grandchildren, Raegan, Cooper and Austin.


Wilfred was preceded in death by his wife, Nina; sister, Leona Bergstaesser and his brother, Vernon Dietz.

Visitation is 5:30-7:30 PM, Friday, September 30, 2011 at Schmitt Funeral Home in WaKeeney. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 1, 2011 also at Schmitt Funeral Home, with Pastor Randy Gibbs officiating. Interment is in the WaKeeney City Cemetery with Military Rites by the Fort Riley Color Guard.


Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church and can be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.