Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Michael Dietz Obituary
Oct. 8, 1949-Jan. 17, 2009
It is with pure sadness that we announce that Michael H. Dietz, MD has died from complications after an acute illness. Michael loved art, music, travel, fishing, and the intellectual challenge of medicine. However, his greatest enjoyment in life came from his role as a father.
Michael had a long academic career beginning at Franklin and Marshall College for undergraduate work, and then leading to a medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine. His internship and residency in internal medicine were completed at Barnes Hospital, affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. His rheumatology fellowship was competed at UCLA and he did two years of basic science research in immuno-genetics at Harvard Medical School to complete his academic training. He had 28 years in private practice as an internist and rheumatologist prior to his death.
Michael is survived by his son Isaac Dietz, his mother Fay Block, four siblings and their families, and his former wife, Isaac’s mother, Suzanne. He leant his wisdom and expertise to people all over the country during his life’s journey and his big heart will be missed by all.
A private family service was held on January 19, 2009.
Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Dietz
jim dietz
August 26, 2009
I am so glad to have found this site and the comments made by so many of his friends and patients. It is very soothing to me.
Michael was a man of many talents and He was the most knowledgable person that I have every known. He was an intellectual and a profoundly talented diagnostician.
He was so devoted to the care of his patients that he had difficulty setting boundries- he suffered when his patients' pains became his pain.
This may have been the fuel for his artistic creativity-in music, art, and the kitchen.
It was never difficult to discern what Michael thought or how he felt about matters. He articulated the depth of his beliefs with clear speech, profound facial expressions and dramatic gestures. And we could witness his core when he would put on his dancing shoes.
And though at times he seemed self absorbed, he really had a huge heart, filled with love. What he wanted most was to share the love with his friends and family. Whenever I needed my big brother, he'd be there.
Its now a few months since Michal passed away. The grief has settled a bit, and there are moments when I still miss him so much.
I love you Michael.
Your Brother Jim
Rose Mallory
February 24, 2009
Dr. Michael was my special doctor who treated me with kindness and respect and a laugh or two. I will miss him.
Mike Novak
February 24, 2009
Dr. Dietz was always one of my favorite Doctors, and I will miss his great knowledge. His way of explaining conditions with his white board and markers will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dietz Family.
Rae Lee Polton
February 13, 2009
Dr Dietz held a special place in my heart. He was my Doctor for many years and I will miss him. I was shocked to hear that he passed away. I will always remember the kindness he extended to me. He helped me out when times were hard. He stopped by and visited me in the hospital when I was operated on by another Doctor. He was so special and I will truly miss him. My condolences go out to his family.
Roy Hedin
February 11, 2009
I last spoke with Michael while dining with friends in Eureka. Michael joined our table by spinning a chair around and mounting it backwards. He proceeded to pour himself a glass of wine from my bottle. We laughed about it. On his birthday I took him fly fishing. He got philosophical about the trip. I said "Michael, your getting deep". He said "I know" and we laughed. These are the moments that I will keep with me of Michael. I'll miss the way that you were. Thanks for that time.
Jonathan Dietz
February 8, 2009
My brother Michael was my big brother and we grew up together in the same bedroom.......x 17+ years
He was a kind brother and a mentor to me often. He motivated me to be a doc as well.
I taught him to dance and dig R&R
Barbara Edwards
February 5, 2009
Dear Family,
It has taken me this long to write to you. I am still in denile that Michael is gone as I am sure you are as well. Even more so. He was my doctor & firend. He took care of me with all his heart. I will miss him very much. I will miss seeing him at Farmers Market, Arts Alive, Arts Arcata and at his studio. I admired him as the artist, the quick wit humor, the Doctor and most of all the man that he was. He will be missed by the community. I will miss his presence here on Earth. My prayers and my thoughts are with you.
Christopher Knowles
February 5, 2009
When I first moved to Martha's Vineyard in 1991, Michael became my doctor. As a diagnostician he had no peer. He was missed when he left the Island and, I am sure, will be missed by all those lucky enough to have known him.
DIANE SERTL GAIL HINES
February 4, 2009
TO THE FAMILY OF DR. DIETZ,
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES.
Pearl Ling
February 3, 2009
Dearest Isaac and Suzanne,
Michael was a gem. I am flooded with memories of his easy smile, his care-free ways, and his great sense of humor. I will always recall with fondness the great times we had back-in-the-day, when he and Man-Sun prowled the hallowed halls of Building D2 at Harvard Medical School.
Hugs to you both,
Pearl
Man-Sun Sy
February 3, 2009
Dear Suzanne, Isaac, Fay and Family.
I am sorry to learn about the passing of Michael. Michael and I were fellows together at Harvard Medical School from 1979 to 1981. We had a wonderful time. We measured hundreds of mouse footpads during the two year period when he was at HMS. His smile and laugh will remain in my heart for ever and ever. Take care!
Cathie Twadelle
February 3, 2009
Dear Suzanne and Isaac
I'm so sorry to hear about Michael. I was glad that he made a stop in Radiology when he was here on the Vineyard. He will certainly be missed. Love Cathie
Kathy McHenry
February 2, 2009
I'm so saddened to hear of losing Dr. Dietz. He was a great doctor. Honest and open. He had a wonderful sense of humor. I always enjoyed my doctor visits with him. My heart goes out to his family and staff. I know he will be greatly missed as he was greatly loved by many.
Rebecca Rimson
February 1, 2009
My sincere condolences to the family, as well as to our community. We've lost a great diagnostician. As a patient, I always got a kick out of Dr. Dietz's brainstorming. He'd say aloud, "I'm thinking of ordering this test, but what will that tell me if it's a positive result? Will that really make a difference in your case? What if it's negative?" And then he'd decide whether to order a test for me, which always had the most bizarre name. I liked his openness about the whole process. I'll also miss seeing him at the classical concerts which he so loved.
Jim Christopher
January 31, 2009
My meeting with Michael Dietz was as a patient. He made a rare impression on me as the doctor who was genuinly interested, thorough, and caring. It was my good luck to have encountered him
Susan Olmstead
January 30, 2009
I was so sorry to see that Dr. Dietz has passed away. When I was a transcriptionist at SJH he was very kind to me, and I appreciated his dedication to the people he cared for. I recently lost my husband, too, and I know something of what you are feeling. May God grant you peace and comfort.
Elise and Jonell Monschke
January 30, 2009
Dr. Dietz was my favorite doctor. After seeing many, he was the first one to ever really connect with me, and I will miss him. He has set the bar high for my next doctor.
Dr. Dietz was so personal and genuine. He gave us hope and faith that healing was possible and, with humor, helped us along that path. He was a doctor with a big heart.
Madi and Bob Coutts
January 29, 2009
Dear Suzanne, Isaac, Fay and Family,
We were so sad to hear about Michael. We feel fortunate that we knew him as a friend and got to see him last year when he visited the Vineyard. We have many fond memories of our times with him. We were fortunate to have such a gifted doctor, who help both Bob and I. Our thoughts are with you.
Ray Gauthier
January 28, 2009
To the Dietz family,
All my heartfelt sympathies to you. I was a patient of Dr. Dietz. My impression of him was that he was a brilliant doctor. Aside from being a patient we both had oil painting in common and discussed the latter at length during our visits. He will be missed.
sherman goldstein
January 27, 2009
Dear Issac, Fay, Suzanne & Family, Our entire family share your grief and sadness. The wonderful times we had together on the Vineyard will always remain. Please know that you are in our thoughts. Love, Sherm
Glenda Short
January 26, 2009
Dr. Dietz has been my doctor for many years and I will miss him. We liked to talk about basketball and made our first real connection when the girls from Jacoby Creek came to a basketball tournament sponsored by the Mattole School in Ferndale and had to miss Dr. Dietz's son's birthday party in 6th grade. I always enjoyed talking to him at my appointments and the extra care he gave his patience. I will truely miss him.
Jenifer Schrock
January 26, 2009
The Dietz's family,
Dr. Dietz had been my dr. for about 12 years and I will truly miss him. He made me belive that given the right attitude I would overcome. He supported my dessicion to have children and helped me through a lot of pain. I will always be greatful.
Kim
January 25, 2009
To family, friends and co-workers, my thoughts are with you. Dr. Dietz was a very intelligent person and helpful physician. The community will be lost without him.
Kim
Deborah Sevett
January 25, 2009
Dear Isaac and Family,
Your Dad was one of my dearest friends. He was so compassionate and loving. I will cherish the times we hung out as friends. I am so blessed to have had Michael for a friend and confidant. He was never far away and writing right now in the shock I feel, I know he will be nearby in spirit. He loved you very much Isaac. My heart goes out to you with the most sincere condolences and love. I will miss him.
Dee
George Zibilich,M.D
January 25, 2009
Michael will be greatly missed by the HDN medical community, besides his family, friends and patients. He was a real asset to our community.
George and Marilyn Zibilich
Erna Drechsler
January 25, 2009
To the family of Dr. Dietz,
He was my doctor, my friend and the world was a better place from him being in it. I will miss him.
Margot Davis
January 25, 2009
I am deeply sorry to hear about the death of Dr. Dietz. He was a lot of fun and could always make me smile. He has been on my "need to phone" list for weeks and I regret so much not calling him. When The Lord puts someone in your thoughts...call them! Don't wait.
Peace, prayers and blessings.
"Golda"
Sonja Dahlbacka
January 25, 2009
I had the honor of being Michael's first transcriptionist when he joined Robert Brenman. He was such a kind and encouraging man and my interactions with him were always pleasant, if not comical. I am so sorry for your loss and wish you great strength and courage as each new day presents itself.
Terry Bollig
January 25, 2009
Dr. Dietz cared! He enjoyed music,art and challenges. He met with many challenges as a physcian and I observed his caring, sensitivity and his pride in his family and their accomplishments.
I worked at a local hospital and observed and assisted him many times. He will be greatly missed.
Their our many great things to remember about this unique man.
Carol
January 25, 2009
God Bless You all, the precious family! Thank You for your extended care Dr. Dietz. You will be missed!
Al Williams
January 25, 2009
To the family of Dr. Deitz,
It is with shock and sadness that I heard of Dr. Deitz's death. I credit him with the fact that I'm even here. Thank you so much. You will be sadly missed.
My sincere condolences
Richard Farnsworth
January 25, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Roberta Duggan
January 25, 2009
Dear Isaac and family,
I am so deeply saddened to learn about your dad's death. My heart aches and grieves with you. Michael was always so welcoming whenever you were hosting Matt and the crew over for your visits together. I always enjoyed seeing him in Murphy's Market to exchange a cheerful pleasantry. He was always so friendly and positive. He was so proud of you. On behalf of the Duggan family, please accept our sincerest thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this time of grief. Isaac, our door is always open to you.
Love,
Roberta Duggan
Melanie Karanopoulos
January 24, 2009
Dr. Dietz always had the most sincere intentions at heart. He was a well respected doctor whom will be missed greatly by all. Dr. Dietz taught me many things in the 2 years that I worked with. He was a sweet man who gave so much of himself to medicine and the world around it. Dr. Dietz truly touched my life and the lives of many others. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Phylis Geller
January 24, 2009
Dear Isaac and family,
We are so very saddened to learn about your dad; just can't believe it.
Michael was nice fella. I always enjoyed getting to have brief conversations with him, usually at Arts Alive! or some such community events, and most recently as one of his patients. Naturally after our consult we spoke about yours and Vanessa's activities. He loved you very much and was so proud of you, Isaac.
What I admired so much about your dad was that he was both a well respected and talented physician AND had become a very good artist! I have an earlier painting of his in my front room, and I can look at it every day and remember his kind words from our meetings through out the past 16+ years.
With my sincere condolences,
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Dietz's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Dietz
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Dietz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
