Leo Allen Dietrich

Leo A. Dietrich, 83, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024 in Libertyville, IL surrounded by his loving family.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave. (Rt. 176, one block west of Milwaukee Ave.) in Libertyville. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 10, at Engelkes-Ables Funeral Home, 509 4th Street, Grundy Center, Iowa.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 315 G. Ave. Grundy Center, Iowa.  Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Leo was born November 22, 1940 in Manly, Iowa, the son of Leonard & Evelyn (Moretz) Dietrich. He moved to Lake Villa, IL in 1977 and most recently had been living in Libertyville, IL.  Leo received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL and was a proud member of the Business Administration National Honor Society, Beta Gamma Sigma. He retired after 27 years from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). 

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Karen Dietrich; daughter, Danielle (Jeff Armstrong) Dietrich; 2 grandchildren, Jake & Addison Krupinski and step-grandson, Benjamin Armstrong; sisters, Lila (Charles) Frahm, Helen (Alan) Halsne, Donna (the late James) Gerdes & Alyce (Richard) Hugeback; sister-in-law, Donna Dietrich and by many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Edna (Marlyn) Mostrom, Robert Dietrich, Lynn (Susie) Dietrich, David Dietrich & Janet (Ted) Timberman.

Leo was the rock of his family. He was wise and kind, and deeply devoted to family.  They could always count on him to offer support through the little and big moments of life. Leo was an avid fisherman and could frequently be found on Lake Michigan, fishing for Coho Salmon, Rainbow & Brown Trout and Chinook. He also had a love for horses that began at a young age on his family farm in Iowa, a passion that he instilled in his daughter. He was a gentle horseman and had a special talent for identifying young Thoroughbred sport horses.  Leo was a wonderful cook and was best known for his fresh smoked salmon, delicious chili and home-baked pies.  He also enjoyed traveling and his favorite destinations were Alaska, Vermont and Maine.  As a skilled woodworker, Leo made everything from equestrian tack trunks to birdhouses, leaving behind many items for his family to cherish. But Leo's favorite pastime by far was spending time with his grandchildren. Whether he was teaching them to fish and cook, playing basketball with them or just watching a movie, those were his favorite moments and the ones that his family will forever hold dear.

Leo bravely fought an aggressive stage four colon cancer diagnosis over a span of five months, as he was determined to spend more time with his family. Leo's family would like to thank each and every one that reached out during those 5 months with cards and messages. It was during that time that they came to truly understand how many lives he had touched and how deeply respected and liked he was by so many that were fortunate enough to know him. While he will be greatly missed, he is also no longer in pain which brings peace.

Memorial contributions would be appreciated to Colorectal Cancer Alliance, www.colorectalcancer.org