John Dietzen

PEORIA - Father John J. Dietzen, 83, retired priest of the Diocese of Peoria and prominent columnist in the national Catholic press, passed away at 10:28 a.m. Sunday, March 27, 2011, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Aug. 19, 1927, in Danville, Ill., to John W. and Margaret Leven Dietzen.

A graduate of Danville High School, he continued his education at St. Bede College in Peru and St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein. He had a Master of Arts degree in English and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology, and was ordained at the Cathedral of St. Mary on June 6, 1954.

From 1954 to 1957, he was assistant pastor at St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria, and began his career in the Catholic press as associate editor of The Catholic Post, a position he held for 16 years. From 1968 to 1973, he was chaplain of St. Joseph Nursing Home in Lacon. In the same period, he led Family Life Programs in the diocese and later became chairman of Diocesan Respect Life Board. He became pastor of St. Mark's Parish in Peoria in 1973, and then in 1983, he became pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Bloomington.

He retired from active ministry in 1998 but remained active as diocesan vicar for retired priests, celebrated Mass in various parishes and served on the board of community organizations.

His service to the Catholic press includes writing a syndicated column of questions and answers on Catholic belief and practice for Catholic News Service in Washington, D.C., which is still carried in Catholic newspapers from coast to coast. He served the Catholic Press Association as secretary and board member.

He is the author of three books, "With Heart and Hand, a Guide to Personal Prayer for the Modern Catholic," "Catholic Q and A" and "Doors of Hope."

Father Dietzen is survived by his brother, Donald (Rita) Dietzen of Danville; sister, Sister John Margaret, CSC of Notre Dame, Ind.; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Purcell, Dennis Dietzen, John Dietzen, Teresa Becker, Robert Dietzen and Stephanie Caughran; and 11 great-nieces and -nephews.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Robert; and one sister, Sister Catherine Dolores, CSC.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 31, 2011, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with The Most Rev. Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, DD, Bishop of Peoria officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will be one hour before the Mass at the church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in West Peoria. Wright & Salmon Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Father Dietzen Scholarship Fund, Central Catholic High School in Bloomington, 1201 Airport Road, Bloomington, IL 61704 or Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry with the Poor, Development Office, Bertrand Hall, St. Mary's Notre Dame, IN 46556.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.