Dietrich Max Fabricius

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dietrich Max Fabricius, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who departed this life on June 24, 2025, at the age of 74. Dietrich was born on November 17, 1950, in Buchholz-Aller, Germany, and grew up on a farm in Independence, Iowa. He passed away peacefully in Hendersonville, North Carolina.
Dietrich's life was a testament to his pursuit of knowledge in many fields. After earning his doctorate in Organic Chemistry from Northwestern University, he embarked on a distinguished career as a Research Chemist for over 40 years, where he gained recognition as an inventor on dozens of chemical patents. His passion for science was matched by his love for the natural world. He delighted in hiking the mountains, always eager to learn about their intricate geography. He spent countless hours tracing the threads of his ancestry through genealogy. Dietrich was also an amateur astronomer.
A devoted family man, Dietrich cherished his role as "Grandpa," where he enjoyed sharing stories of adventure. His love and wisdom were a guiding light to his grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Samuel, James, Timothy, and Gracelyn. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Elaine Fabricius; his son, Erich Fabricius and wife, Stephanie; his daughter, Anne Fabricius; his sister, Renate Hunter and her husband, Gordon; and nephews, Max Hunter and his wife, Elizabeth, and their son, Max Fabricius Hunter, and Lucas Hunter and his wife, Kourtnie, and their daughter, Eleanora James Hunter.
Dietrich was a longtime member of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church in Hendersonville, where his faith and community spirit flourished. He was preceded in death by his parents, Max Fabricius and Julianna Ratz Fabricius, whose memory he honored throughout his life.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, officiated by Reverend Jonathan Christensen. A Memorial Gathering with light refreshments will immediately follow at the church until 4:15 pm, with a graveside service then following at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hendersonville.
Those wishing to honor Dietrich's legacy may make memorial contributions to Haiti Missions Fund, c/o Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, 2606 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792; Earthjustice - Our Environmental Climate Fund, P.O. Box 96346 Washington, DC 20077-7953; or The Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30307-1406.
Shuler Funeral Home has the honor of serving the Fabricius family during this difficult time. Dietrich's life was one of intellectual curiosity and unwavering love, a true inspiration to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dietrich Max, please visit our floral store.