Born in Gering, Nebraska on September 15, 1920 to John and Mary Dietrich, John Henry Dietrich passed away on the 10th of January at the age of 96. He died peacefully, surrounded by members of his loving family.

John was married to the woman he adored, Mary Jane (Conrad) for 73 years. Most of their lives were spent in the Portland area. Except for four years in the Army Air Corps when Dad served his country as a B-17 pilot stationed at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida, he pursued a career in the veneer products industry. Beginning in Louisville, Kentucky, John joined his father-in-law (J. Henry Conrad) and his brother-in-law (Stan Muessle) in a move to the Northwest to begin a new venture: slicing Western softwoods for the panel and furniture markets throughout North America. The three partners, together with a Production Manager, Bob McEvers, quickly built a very successful operation.

Dad made many close, life-long friends with suppliers and customers in Canada, as well as the Midwest and the Carolinas. His career spanned almost 40 years.

John retired in 1985 and spent most of his “senior” years playing a little golf and visiting places he had never been. John and Mary Jane’s travels took them to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe and Mexico. Most of these vacations included either family or close friends. His favorite spots to relax included Cannon Beach, Sunriver, Maui and Palm Desert.

Long-time affiliations included All Saints Catholic Church, Central Catholic High School, Riverside Golf Club, the Multnomah Athletic Club and in later years, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

Dad never tired of seeing his children on a weekend afternoon or watching old episodes of Bonanza or Gunsmoke. He will be missed by those who shared in various stages of his life—– our memories and old family movies will serve to keep his spirit alive.

John is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; six children, Bud (Kitty), Don (Sierra), Ann Brady (Mike Gross), Michael (Kathy), Jim (Cecile) and Mark; fourteen grandchildren; and, eight great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass was held on January 24th at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Any remembrances may be directed to Our Lady of the Lake or Providence Hospice.

Born: September 15, 1920 Death: January 10, 2017

Funeral Mass

Tuesday January 24, 2017 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church
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Any remembrances may be directed to Our Lady of the Lake or Providence Hospice.