Wayne Willard Dietz

Dear Bobby, Alissa, and Amberly,
I have never met you, however I know many of the 'all good' details of your lives because your Dad was one of my best friends. We grew up together in Gaylord and have remained in contact over the years. Whenever I spoke with him, he updated me on his 3 children, he loved you with all of his heart and was very proud of each of you. I never saw your Dad without a smile on his face, which amazed me as he had been dealt his share of tragedy and premature loss...

To Wayne's family,

Wayne brought many memories to all of us that when we embrace these thoughts we sit back and smile, and just wish he were yet with us.

Thank you Lord for sharing him with us. God Bless.

Mr. Dietz was one in a million. More than a great coach, he was truly a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, thank you for sharing him with all of us that walked the halls of WHS through the years. Dietzer taught us more than just baseball, he taught us about life. I went on from WHS to become a St. Paul Police Officer. Thanks Dietz, for all the lessons along the way, rest in peace and godspeed.

Quite a few years have passed since I walked the halls of Woodbury as a student and suited up for Friday night football, but my memories of Coach Dietz remain vivid. He was a natural in drawing out the good in people, and not just in sports or academia. I admired his intensity and passion to win balanced with humility and self control. He always showed genuine interest in getting to know his students and his players. His example has had a lasting impact on me.

Although I hated math (and went on to become an English major and writer...no math involved), Mr. Dietz was one of my favorite teachers. He was a kind, happy, patient person who loved to teach. You could just tell that about him in the way he interacted with all his students, whether they were math whizzes or not. I still remember that day in 10th grade geometry class when I told him that I knew I would never ever have any use for math. He told me I would...for example, if I wanted to...

Mr. Dietz was one of the most genuine and positive people I can remember growing up. He was a definite role model for me. He had a lot of energy and passion. My family offers its condolunces to the Dietz family. We will have you in our thoughts.

Wayne was a great friend who would go the extra mile for others.

He invested much of himself in making it possible for all who were interested to be a part of a Woodbury summer baseball team. He cared about all the players including those who were not on his high school roster or who attended other schools.

Mr. Dietz...what a GREAT person, teacher, leader and one who gave so much to his students. I hope I'm blessed enough to be in one of your classes on the other side of the white pearly fence!
Love and miss you Mr. Dietz!! XOXO
Mike and Kathy Dunlap
Woodbury Class of 79/80

Our deepest condolences to your family. Wayne is gone on a fishing trip and was very saddened to hear of Wayne's passing. Your family has always mean't alot to "ovie". OUr thoughts are with you.
Wayne and Colleen Overson