Donald Wayne Dietz passed away Saturday, June 18, 2011, in the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital at WaKeeney, KS at the age of 81.


Don was born in rural Trego County on October 12, 1929, to the late Otto and Anna (Fabrizius) Dietz. He graduated from Trego Community High School in the year 1947 and attended Kansas State University. He then served in the United States Army from April 11, 1951 until April 10, 1953.

On June 2, 1957, Don was united in marriage to Lila Bell in Claflin, KS. In earlier years, he co-owned and operated Dietz's IGA with his brother, Ferd. He later owned Dietz's Liquor Store for twenty-three years and retired in 2008.


As an active member of the WaKeeney community, Don was involved in many organizations. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, the American Legion Moore Post #197, a charter member of the Mystic Knights of the Deep Blue Sea, a former member of the Kiwanis Club, and he served on church council, the WaKeeney City Council, and was City Fire Chief for thirty years. He was very active in his sons' lives by coaching summer league baseball teams. He was also a Cardinal Baseball fan and a loyal K-State Fan.


Those left behind to mourn his passing are his wife, Lila, of the home in WaKeeney; two sons, Jeff and wife, Joyce, of Newton, Scott and wife, Jana, of Wichita; three grandchildren, Lynn, April, and Taylor Dietz; a great-granddaughter, Riley Wells; and two brothers, Palmer of Park City, and Ferd of WaKeeney.


A son, Van Dietz; and a sister Nadine Dietz preceded him in death

Visitation for Don will be 6-8 PM Tuesday, June 21, 2011 in Schmitt Funeral Home at WaKeeney. Services are 10:30 AM Wednesday, June 22, 2011 with Pastor Randy Gibbs officiating. Interment is in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Walk-A-Thon for Health and can be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.