Norman Dietert

1935 - 2023

Norman Dietert

Norman Marvin Dietert, age 88, of Tulsa, died Sunday, March 26, 2023.

Norman was born on February 1, 1935, near Geronimo, TX. He graduated from Seguin (TX) High School. He played baseball and earned an associate's degree from Texas Lutheran College (Seguin, TX) before earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas, Austin (1957). He was married to Ann Archer Dietert from July 18, 1959, until her death on March 4, 2023. Norman was an athlete throughout his life. Baseball was his first and greatest sports love. He played through his first year of college and then, later, played semi-pro. He coached American Legion ball, was a certified Texas BBQ judge and loved cheering for the UT Longhorns. In retirement, Norman became a landscape painter and was active in Alpha Rho Tau, serving as president.

Norman was a man of enthusiasm and joy. He greeted each day with a positive outlook, saying, "Thank you God for work and the strength to do it." With his wife, Ann, Norman ran Norman's Dry Cleaning (1963 - 2003) and they reared their children in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He served as president of the Okmulgee Jaycees, the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce, the Okmulgee Country Club, and the Oklahoma Association of Drycleaners. Norman's Christian faith directed his life. He was a longtime member of Okmulgee First United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities including chairing the Council on Ministries, the Administrative Board, and the Finance Committee. After moving to Tulsa in 2006, he joined Boston Avenue UMC, where he served as a greeter and was active in the Round Table Sunday School class. Norman and Ann were travelers, both near and far. Some of Norman's most important trips were a mission trip to Guatemala, multiple horse racing trips to Hot Springs, Arkansas and the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. He also visited Canada, Mexico, Australia, China, Tibet, Peru, Ecuador, England, Scotland, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, the Galapagos Islands and many U.S. states.

Norman leaves a brother, Delroy (Judy) Dietert of Hondo, TX; as well as his children and grandchildren, Jeff (Maggie) of Houston (Carlie, Kyle), Craig (Julie) of Tulsa (Ben, Zac, Katie), Libby Patton of Asheville (Sarah Grace, Hank), and David (Kellie) of Charlotte (Rachel, Lauren). He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Mae Archer Dietert; and by his parents, Marvin and Helna (Heinemeyer) Dietert. He was beloved by many family and friends and will be missed. The family offers their sincere thanks to Trinity Woods and in particular, Barnes House, for the love and care they have shown to our dad and Opa. A private celebration of life will be held at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church.