Delbert Arthur Dietrich, 84, of Ellis died Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at HaysMed in Hays.
He was born August 14, 1935 to Arthur and Martha (May) Dietrich. He had one younger sister, Marlene. He attended Adair country school in Trego County and Ellis High School. He lived most of his life on the family farm northwest of Ellis.
He married Rosalie Schuster February 7, 1955 and together they had four children, Debbie, Fred, Lynda and Laura. On July 10, 1987 he married Pamela Marcotte Grauerholz joining her family of Carl, Bella, and Lynn. In addition to farming he also worked as a carpenter, repairman, welder and oilman. He had many interests including Kansas and Native American history, woodworking, lapidary work and birdwatching. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son and his grandsons and was passionate about conservation, wildlife, his cattle and his dogs. He attended Ellis Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Troy Riedel.
He is survived by his his wife Pam of Ellis , his children Debbie (George) Fisher, Derby, Fred (Michelle) Dietrich, Wamego, Lynda (Edward) Spurgeon, Harlem, GA, Laura Riedel, Wichita, Carl (Alisa) Grauerholz, Ellis, Bella Dietrich, Ellsworth and Lynn Dietrich, Hays, a sister, Marlene Neuburger, Manor, TX, 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and his faithful canine companions, Lucy and Pette.
A Memorial Service will be held January 18, 2020 at 10:30 in Ellis Baptist Church, 107 West 9th Street, Ellis, KS followed by an inurnment in the Mt. Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains.