Dr. Clifford H. Dietz
94, an innovator committed to his family, his American Baptist faith, and Franklin College, died May 23, 2013, at his home in the Franklin United Methodist Community. Dr. Dietz was born November 18, 1918, and grew up in St. Louis, Mo.
He served in the Army during World War II, receiving a battlefield commission and bronze star. He served in the 104th infantry, nicknamed "Timberwolf," and on frontline heavy artillery during the Battle of the Bulge.
He married the former Louise Pauline "Paula" Porter Dec. 24, 1946, and she survives. They are the parents of three daughters, Sharon Dietz Wilson (Roger) of Marthasville, Mo.; Stephanie Dietz of Carmel, Ind., and Jennifer Dietz St. Martin of Greenfield, Ind., a Franklin College alumna. They have nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
After the war, he founded Engineered Models Inc. in 1950 and served as president for 41 years. The Indianapolis corporation produced precision aircraft parts for the aerospace industry and transmission parts for large military land vehicles. Dr. Dietz attained several patents during his career.
In 1980, Engineered Models was nominated for the Small Business Administration Company of the Year Award and in 1991 the company was honored for its support of the U.S. effort in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. A plaque was presented to the firm by the North Central District of the Defense Contract Management Command of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Dr. Dietz was a member of the First Baptist Church in Franklin, Ind. Before moving to Franklin in December 1999, he was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Indianapolis.
Dr. Dietz served as secretary of the Franklin College Board of Trustees from 1991 to 2010. He served as a FC trustee from 1978 to 1982 and was reappointed in 1983, continuing to serve until his passing. In 1984, the Franklin College Alumni Council named Dietz an associate alumnus for service to the college. He received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Franklin College in 1986.
The Dietzes have made a difference in the lives of Franklin College students and for the Franklin College community, including the faculty, staff, alumni and friends.
The generosity of the Dietzes is evident on campus through numerous named facilities. They were charter members of the Franklin College President's Club and the college's Leaders for Life giving society. They also served as national co-chairs of the college's Leaders for Life Campaign, which raised $48,540,782.
The Dietzes established the Clifford and Paula Dietz Franklin College Library Rare Book Endowment Fund in 1979, when they also established the Clifford and Paula Dietz Award for Faculty Excellence, first presented in 1980. They also established the Engineered Models, Inc., Scholarship Fund, the largest corporate endowed scholarship at Franklin College.
Dr. Dietz, an avid hunter and fisherman, was the first in Indiana to obtain the Grand Slam in Mountain Sheep. Among his major trophies was a world-record polar bear and caribou, and he and his wife presented the college with a grizzly bear trophy which is displayed in the main entrance of the Spurlock Center.
Dr. Dietz was named a life member of the Winona Memorial Foundation in 1967, and he served as a trustee of Judson College, Judson, Ill., for many years. The Dietzes also established a student scholarship program at Judson.
Dr. Dietz was a collector of rare books and antique guns, and he and his wife, Paula, were world travelers.
Dr. Dietz was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and mentor to many. He enjoyed spending time with his family at their lakes homes, sharing his love for fishing with his children and grandchildren, hunting with his sons-in-laws and grandsons. He made dear long-time friends everywhere he went.
Dr. James G. Moseley, President of Franklin College, will conduct a service for Dr. Dietz at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Richardson Chapel on the Franklin College campus. Friends may call from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, Franklin. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Franklin College, designated for either the Clifford and Paula Dietz Franklin College Library Rare Book Endowment Fund or the music program. Contributions may be sent to Franklin College, 101 Branigin Boulevard, Franklin, IN 46131.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear FriendPaula,I cherish so much the book that you and Cliff gave to Mary Louise and I for Christmas 1986 ( The Paslms of David thee book remaines in our living rooom where anyone can look at it, and many do. Thanks again
God Bless and comfort get Willard Munson
May 29, 2013
praying for the family.........Demetria former staff
May 28, 2013
Wow, I met Dr. Dietz years ago at an Engineered Models picnic. I babysat for Stephanie's kids years ago. I received one of his Franklin College scholarships back in 1987 and my father, David DePangher still works there at Enconco. Dr. Dietz will be sorely missed by many and his contributions to the community will be felt by many for years to come. So sorry for your loss of a wonderful man!! Rest in Peace Dr. Dietz and thank you for your wonderful service and contributions!!
Pam Cowan
May 28, 2013
Sorry to hear of Dr. Dietz's passing. I am grateful for his service to our country and for the positive impact on the lives of students, faculty, staff, and alumni at Franklin College. The family is in our prayers.
Patrick Collier
May 28, 2013
Jenny, sorry we won't be there, but know we will keep praying for you and your family.
May 26, 2013
We did not know Mr. Dietz, but we do know and love his Granddaughter Lauren. We also know what you did for us and for your Country by your unselfish and patriotic service. God Bless you Sir and God Bless your Family and Loved ones.
David and Karen Van Marm
May 26, 2013
Prayers to the Dietz family. Our thoughts are with all the family and friends. He was a faithful Christian and loved his family - was evident.
Don & Rhonda Dolph
May 26, 2013
My Great Uncle,will be dearly missed,He was a wonderful Man,my Grandmother Helen and Granpa James Drake always had wonderful things to say about him and Pauleen..RIP.Sorry for the loss..
Gayle Decker
May 26, 2013
I never got to meet him but he sounds like he was a terrific guy and will be missed by many. I am sorry for your loss and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sonja Anderson
May 26, 2013
So sorry for your loss.
Kristy Mayes
May 26, 2013
JENNIFER......
So sorry to hear about your father.I know he was the special,main man in your life and will be missed dearly. Prayers and thoughts goes out for you/whole family. GOD be with you and confort YOU !!!!
Beth Davidson
May 26, 2013
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