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BORN
1922
DIED
2014
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Carl Dietrich Obituary
Carl "Bud" Dietrich, 92, died peacefully Wednesday evening, Sept. 24, 2014.
Mr. Dietrich was born May 7, 1922 in East St. Louis, Ill., and has always been known as "Bud". He attended Central Catholic High School and graduated from East St. Louis High School in 1941. He attended St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind., and following World War II attended Shrivenham University in Swindon, England.
He was a World War II Army veteran serving as an instructor in the Pack Artillery at Fort Sill, Okla., and spent 18 months overseas with the 12th Armored Division. He ended his service as an Intelligence N.C.O. in Germany.
Bud had a career as a full time magician. He performed for 44 years until his retirement in November 2000. He was well known in magic and lectured to magicians all over Europe and America. He invented magic tricks and co-authored a book on magic. For over 20 years he specialized in working trade shows for industries and was often called the "Fortune 500 Magician".
Bud was a life member of the third and fourth degrees of the Knights of Columbus. He served on the board of directors of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and was a lifetime member of that organization. He was also a member of the Society of American Magicians and a former member of the famed Magic Castle in Los Angeles. He was a founding member of the Layman's Assn. of the Shrine of Our Lady of Snows.
Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey, nee Effinger, Dietrich, whom he married on Oct. 4, 1947. They had been married for 66 years when she died last year. He was also preceded in death by his parents, George and Martha, nee Bessen, Dietrich; a brother, Paul Henry Dietrich; his in-laws, Joseph and Rita, nee Savard, Effinger; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Ann, nee Beltz, Effinger.
Surviving are his two children, a son, Paul Dietrich and his wife, Laura, of Upperville, Va., and a daughter, Joan Dietrich of St. Louis, Mo.; a sister, Betty Rogers of San Antonio, Texas; brother-in-law, Richard Effinger; and many nieces and nephews.
By request of the family, in lieu of flowers, Masses or contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, 9370 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63132 may be made.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014, at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Ill., and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Belleville, Ill.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Belleville, Ill., with Msgr. Jack McEvilly officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, Ill.
KURRUS FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, Ill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carl Dietrich
Linda Smith
December 29, 2014
I am so sincerely saddened to just have heard of your fathers passing .. I had the pleasure of working with him for many years at trade shows with ITT and considered him and Audrey great friends that I truly cared for... Having lost my father recently my heart really goes out to you.. My sincere condolences...
Susan Lewin
October 3, 2014
I had the pleasure of meeting Bud and Audrey in Las Vegas. My husband, Nick Lewin, is a magician who admired Bud's work. We had a lovely time talking about magic and family life. Audrey was so proud of her family and gave me some great advice, while Bud and Nick discussed magic. It was a lovely late afternoon meet-up. Thinking good thoughts of your parents. They will be missed. God Bless.
September 27, 2014
Magic has lost a truly great man. Wonderful in every way possible. Dignity personified Rest in peace.
Jon Racherbaumer
September 27, 2014
RIP my friend…Your smile brightened a room and your enthusiasm about almost everything within your reach was always inspirational. My condolences to his family and loved ones. Onward...
Kay Barrath
September 27, 2014
Paul and Joan,
I grew up watching Bud at conventions and St. Louis shows. My dad, Bev Taylor, and Bud were friends. I occasionally met Bud at events later in life. It was a great pleasure talking to him.
I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He and both of you will be in my prayers.
Maureen O'Brien Gilchrist
September 27, 2014
Joan and Paul-- I was saddened to learn aabout your dad's passing. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Swadling
September 27, 2014
Goodbye old friend. Will always remember your kindness and valuable advice. Rest In Peace and join your Beloved Audrey.
Bob and Val Swadling
Dianne Kettler
September 26, 2014
Paul and Joan, Please accept my condolences on the death of your father. He still told some interesting stories about his extraordinary life. It was time for him to join your mother and they are at peace.
Robert Domkowski
September 26, 2014
Paul, Joan and family;
I had the distinct pleasure and honor to have known your father for more than 17-years as he worked his magic for ITT Corporation industrial exhibitions. He was witty, charming, elegant, loyal to Audrey whom my wife and I loved and a joy to be around. Out at dinner in the evenings, he was a true raconteur as he always seemed to have a great story to offer at a drop of a hat.
Sue and I and the ITT family offer our sincere condolences to you... Bud was quite a man.
Shep Hyken
September 26, 2014
Bud was more than a friend. He was my mentor. We were very close. I referred to him as my illegitimate father. By the way, he was not allowed to refer to me as his illegitimate son! I will miss you, Bud! I know you are in a good place, and Audrey is happy to see you!
Darleen Eads
September 26, 2014
Rest in peach Bud. I am so glad I got to know both you and Audrey.
Joe English
September 26, 2014
My sympathies to Bud's family - I spent many hours enjoying his company along with Audrey at English's. Prayers to all.
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Memorial Events
for Carl Dietrich
Sep
28
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Kurrus Funeral Home - Belleville1773 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL 62223
Sep
29
Sep
29
Funeral services provided by:
Kurrus Funeral Home - Belleville1773 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL 62223
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