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William DIETSCH Obituary
Bill Dietsch
SPRINGFIELD - The world has lost a gentle person, a loving spirit and a lover of stories when Bill left on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. He was born September 2, 1941, the son of William and Roselyn (Blessman) Dietsch. He married Kathleen Long in 1965; she died in 1990. Bill was lucky in love a second time and married Sharon (Kuhn) Johnson in 1994 and created a family with her son, Bryan. Bill and Sharon shared 19 years of love and laughter.
A graduate of Springfield High School, Bill spent four years in the Marine Corps. He worked in sales most of his life, including at Barker-Lubin, E.L. Schafer and E & F Distributing.
Bill loved to fish and enjoyed nothing more than a trip with the guys: Bob Hubbel, Fred Stillwagon, Chuck Metz and Denny Conner. Mere fishing trips were spun into tales of epic proportion that were repeated and embellished over the years. We never tired of hearing them. Some of you will remember the Gabatoni's story. Bill swore the kitchen staff would never forget.
While Bill was an avid fisherman, he was crazy about his family and friends. He was happiest surrounded by those he loved. He was the consummate host, a gentleman to the core and was blessed with a marvelous and self-deprecating sense of humor.
Bill was preceded in death by parents, Roselyn and Bill Dietsch; his mother and father-in-law, Shirley and Kenny Kuhn.
He lives in the memories of his wife, Sharon; son and daughter-in-law, Bryan Johnson and Chantal Velasco-Johnson and grandson, Fernando Velasco, all of Albuquerque, NM; his faithful feline kids, TC and Betsy May; sisters-in-law, Adele (Brian McFadden) and Patty (Pat Bumpus); brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Karen Kuhn; nieces and nephews, Jeanne, Lauren, Evan, Kellie and Tara; and brother, Pat (Judy) Dietsch, all of Springfield.
Please remember Bill as a loving, gracious and gentle man who loved life.
Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
The family of Bill Dietsch is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William DIETSCH
tom andersen
June 1, 2013
Sharon, so sorry for your loss
The Sarffs - Pat Sandidge & family, Ed, Ron & Joan
May 28, 2013
Bill was a really good guy - someone you really wanted and enjoyed to be around. The years passed quickly and unfortunately
we didn't keep in
touch as we should have. He will be missed - but he is in a much better
place now and was welcomed into Heaven by a bunch of family, loved
ones and friends! Rest easy Bill
Dan Thompson
May 27, 2013
It's nice to read all of the GREAT things about Bill. Working with him at E.L. Schafer, along with all of the others, were some amazing times...Bill was an unbelievable person and mentor to me and someone I think of often! You will be missed my friend!!
Tim Schlosser
May 27, 2013
"Gentleman" best describes Bill. I worked with Bill at E. L. Schafer and cherish the great times we had. He was good to me and my family and we will not forget him.
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Michelle Maher
May 27, 2013
When I think of Bill the first word that comes to mind is "kindness". He was also so great to Pete and I. My condolences to his family and other friends, another angel gets his wings.
In Sympathy-
Angela Brooks
May 26, 2013
I worked with Bill at E.L. Schafer and Sons back in 1993. He was an absolute gem! He will be missed. Your family will be in my prayers.
Lenny Hamende
May 25, 2013
You know I believe without a doubt that I can say Bill was the nicest guy I've ever met. Rest in Peace now. May God grant your wife Sharon peace of mind and healing in her heart and to remain alongside her good family and friends...Amen!
May 25, 2013
Bill was more than a MAN, He was a friend who was always there for you. He never had a bad word about anybody and loved having things done the right way. We will miss you and our prayers are with you now and always. Your Friends, Ed and Sharon Chott
Linda Perugino-Donaldson
May 24, 2013
Sharon and family,
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
May 24, 2013
Bill was a first class guy - warm, kind, and, yes, very funny. The man could really tell a story. Sharon, I am truly so sorry for your loss. Linda Hawker
May 24, 2013
To Family & Friends,
Bill was a Man...a great man, a kind man, a man of integrity...a real man. He had a kind word for most everybody he knew. Always there to offer a helping hand...Bill would do anything for you. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Prayers to the family...God Bless.
Jack & Linnea Howard
St. Louis, MO
May 24, 2013
Sharon,
He is missed. What a guy. So many good and funny memories. His memory will live on for many years as we re-tell and re-tell the many stories. Get togethers will not be quite the same without Bill.
Our sympathies to you and your family. Chuck and Becky
May 24, 2013
"REST EASY,REST WELL,REST IN PEACE
MY FRIEND." JIM GENT(ORLANDINI,INC.)
WALNUT CREEK,CA.
Bill Peterson
May 24, 2013
My mother always said "god only picks his most favorite rose". Bill was certainly a hybid of man and I am sure he is angel watching over us now, RIP my ole friend.
Pat Bice
May 24, 2013
I also worked with Bill at EL Schafer. He was a great friend and gentle man, always their to listen and help whenever possible. He will be missed. God Bless.
May 24, 2013
Sharon,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. This write-up is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. I have such fond memories of Bill from my childhood. He was such a good friend to my dad, and I think of him almost as an uncle. He was like an honorary Stillwagon, never missing any of our important events…graduation parties, weddings, babies, annual cookouts. If you asked me to describe Bill in one word, I would say “kind,” and I think most others would come up with the same or a similar adjective. What an accomplishment to be remembered as such. He was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed.
Jennifer (Stillwagon) Wakolbinger and family
John Jennings
May 24, 2013
RIP Sir! It was an honor to of met you.
Kellie Crayne
May 24, 2013
Uncle Bill there is so much to say. You impacted my life in ways you never even knew.you were a father figure to me. You gave advice, great advice, but most of all you gave love and laughter. You were a true gentlemen. Distinguished with a heart of gold. The memories I have of you are so many. I loved you so much. I'm so glad you can breath again. Most of all I'm so happy you found Sharon, she's another example of true kindness & love. You will be forever missed
Amanda Ferguson
May 24, 2013
Bill was and always will be a life time friend of my family. When I think of the words kind, caring, thoughtful, Bill was the guy that truly lived up to the true meaning of those word's and so many more. He really was amazing, and will missed by many.
Amanda Ferguson & Family
Sheila Hunter
May 24, 2013
Sharon & Bryan,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers will be with your family.
Don Hudson
May 24, 2013
To Bill 's Legions of Friends & Family, What a fine fellow!!! ~ Bill was funny, & witty, great for a fishing trip; or shooting the breeze! Not many men like Bill.. We will all miss his wonderful ways.. God's speed, Bill. You will always be remembered as true gentleman!
May 24, 2013
Rest in Peace Marine. Semper Fi.
Robin Watts
May 24, 2013
I worked with Bill at EL Schafer. He was so kind and fun. Always a smile. God Bless. Robin (Jim) Watts
Sonny Moss
May 24, 2013
My condolences to Sharon and family. Bill was a joy to be around, his wonderful smile was contagious. Gone but not forgotten.
May 23, 2013
We remember Bill a a very nice man, quiet and easy going. We send our deepest sympathy to Pat, Judy and all the family. Jim and Carol Sgro
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Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62703
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