William Francis Dietz

William Francis Dietz, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on February 14, 2026, after a brief illness. Bill was born on August 26,1938 to Lester and Annamae Dietz (both deceased) in Detroit Michigan, the youngest of four children. He graduated in the first class from the newly opened Austin Catholic High School in Detroit, attended the University of Detroit and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. On his way to sail in the Port Huron to Mackinac race as the Commodore of U of D Sail Club in the summer of 1960 he met Mary Elizabeth O'Hara. As fate would have it, he did not sail in that race. They were married on January 27, 1962, and together enjoyed 64 years of marriage. Together they raised five accomplished children: Kathleen Tyrrell (Dan), William Dietz (Jeff Levy), Dr. James Dietz (Jane), Dr. Mary Beth Dietz (deceased), and Kevin Dietz. Five loving grandchildren have been added to the joy in his life, Patrick Dietz, Caitlin Tyrrell, Kevin Dietz, Anna Dietz, and Lily Dietz.

Throughout his life Bill enjoyed the challenges of leadership: first as Commodore of U of D Sail Club, then as President of Madison Heights Jaycees, President of Northeast Manufacturers Association, as well as a decade as President of Huronia Heights Homeowners Association in Worth Township Michigan. After graduation from college, Bill was employed in management with Montgomery Ward retail stores but eventually joined the family business of Dietz Printing Company and became the final owner when printing became available to all with the advent of computers. His final employment brought great joy to his life as an accordion repair expert surrounded by music as his colleague tuned the accordions at Castiglione Accordion Company.

Bill was a man of many collections: stamps, books, newspapers, hats and vintage printing presses and tools. His hat of the day fit either the occasion or sent a message about his opinion.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on April 11, 2026 at Nativity of Our Lord Parish, 5900 McClellan, Detroit Michigan at 1pm with gathering after Mass in the lower level of Nativity. Donations in Bill's memory may be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen and to Nativity Pantry at 5900 McClellan in Detroit. Bill will be interred at a later date in Mount Hope Cemetery in Port Huron Michigan.