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Longtime Alaska resident Herbert Claude Dietz, 60, passed away on August 20th, 2013 while surrounded by loved ones. A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 25th at Joy Lutheran Church in Eagle River.
Born September 22, 1952, in Rockport, Texas, Herb enlisted in the Army at the age of 19. He served honorably as an Army Communication Specialist for more than 12 years, during which time he volunteered for duty in the Vietnam War in addition to serving in Germany, Korea, and Turkey.
After his honorable discharge, Herb fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Alaska where he and his wife raised their children and where he enjoyed many grand adventures. Herb was a very skilled man who worked on the North Slope as an inspector, but his true joy was found in the outdoors. From hunting in the mountains with his son to plying the waters of Resurrection Bay with his wife, Herb was at home in the wild expanses of Alaska. He often made the extra effort to bring others along in order to pass along his knowledge and share his infectious love of wild places. He once remarked to his wife that sitting at the base of a glacier and listening to it creak and move was among the most beautiful experiences of his life.
Seemingly gruff on the exterior, one couldn't miss Herb's truly generous and affectionate nature as he showed love to those around him in an unmistakable way. He treasured his wife and children and would light up in the presence of his many grandchildren. Herb even willingly served as a father figure to many neighborhood boys, graciously opening his home and sharing his wit and wisdom generously.
Herb is survived by his wife, Julie; his daughters, Kirsten and Britta; his son, John; grandchildren, Demetrius, Alysha, Jada, Nevaeh, Jessica, Tara, Owen, Kylee, Alana, and Arahziah; great-grandchild, Aaliyah; and countless others whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gloria Dietz and granddaughter, Tenessa.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Meeting Mr. Dietz was such a joy, I'm going to miss saying "Good Morning Mr. Dietz" when we would see each other bright & early in the mornings at dialysis, I will absolutely those days and times. I really admired how positive & strong willed he was and I won't forget how his smile would light up the dialysis unit. You will forever be missed by me Mr. Diets, truly missed. Like you I will continue to fight the good fight, I did shed tears when I first heard of your passing, but, I remembered how strong you were and those years turned into a smile :-) Mrs. Dietz you are truly a strong and amazing woman and I admire that a lot. Blessings to you and your family, with much love Danielle (from Liberty Dialysis)
danielle simmons
August 25, 2013
Mr. Dietz you will be greatly missed. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, humor, and heart. May you rest in peace...
Love,
Tracy
Tracy Vanw
August 25, 2013
So sorry for such a great loss. Herb's impact on so many will go on for generations to come.
Bill & Sandy Stagelman
August 25, 2013
I have many memories of Herb both one the slope (he was my first supervisor there), and in town. He was a good man, a hero for his military service and one of a kind individual. I will always remember his sense of humor and ability to adapt to adversity. He hit the jackpot when he married Julie and should be proud of the legacy of family he has left behind. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Tom Liverance
August 24, 2013
Dear Julie, John, Britta and Kirsten, So very sorry for your loss. Hugs to all of you.
Love from Sandy and Ken
August 24, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Herb was such a sweet and gentle soul. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Sheila McCumby
August 23, 2013
Ed and I are so sorry for your loss and please remember that memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. Death may leave a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal. We will always remember amazing fishing trips in Whittier and all the wonderful times spent with Herb.
Ed and Annette Mullen
August 23, 2013
Julie, John, Kirsten,& Britta,
We are deeply saddened to recieve the news of Herb's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time.
Herb was a Great Man and we will always remember him for his infectious laugh, quick wit, and his great sense of humor.
Only once or twice in a lifetime there are certain people that enter your life to guide, mentor, and help you make the right choices leading you to become the person you are today. Thanks for all that you have done for me and for being my friend Herb! Rest in peace until we meet again.
George & Krista Foley & Family
George Foley
August 22, 2013
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