Merlyn Dietrich, age 92 of Rolfe, passed away Monday, April 17, 2023, at the St. Luke Home in Spencer surrounded by family. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mallard. Services will be livestreamed via Lentz Funeral Home’s Website: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/merlyn-dietrich. Burial will take place at the Powhatan Cemetery in Plover with Military Honors conducted by the United States Marines Honor Guard and Mallard American Legion Post 0345. Visitation will be held Friday, April 21, 2023, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Lentz Funeral Home in Mallard.
Merlyn Wayne Dietrich, the son of Gustav and Mabel (Christian) Dietrich, was born on June 19, 1930, in Rodman, Iowa. Merlyn attended school through the 10th grade. On February 15, 1952, Merlyn enlisted in the United States Marines. He soon married the love of his life, Marilyn Maahs on July 13, 1952. Merlyn proudly served until his honorable discharge on February 14, 1954.
Merlyn was a skilled carpenter and also farmed for 20 plus years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mallard and Laymens League. Merlyn enjoyed playing cards(especially solitaire), summer vacations with family, hunting, fishing, playing pool, word searches, and spending time with family. Merlyn cared deeply for the people around him and always had a smile. He had a gentle soul and a particular soft spot for children and pets. He made an impact on so many lives and will be missed.
Left to cherish Merlyn’s memory are his wife of 70 years: Marilyn Dietrich of Plover. children: Gary (Robin) Dietrich of Mallard, Larry (Debbie) Dietrich of Spencer, Jerry (Laurie) Dietrich of Marion, Sherry Dietrich of Sioux Falls, SD, and Michelle Dietrich of Cottonwood, MN. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jamie (Nancy), Matt (Michaela), Ryan, Brian (Collette), Joshua (Lindsey), Jessica (Marty), Jenna (Evan) and Katelyn (James); great grandchildren: Noah, Brett, Cassie(Mitch) Rachel, Tim, Connor, Braden, Leo, Tinley, Nashton, Blaine and Rayni, Madeline, Toby, Lydia, Henry, Benedict, Gabriel, Estelle, Damian, Lydia, Leighton, Liam, Bailey, Bryce, Cooper: great great grandchildren: Melodie and Walker; brother: James (Marlys) Dietrich of Emmetsburg; sister: Ruth Ann Dietrich of Emmetsburg; sister-in-law: Marge Dietrich of Pocahontas; brother-in-law: Jerry Brooks of Missouri along with numerous other relatives and friends.
Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents: Gustav and Mabel Dietrich; son: Mark Dietrich; grandson: Heath Bakken; brother: Alvin Dietrich and sisters: Electa Brooks and Dorothy Hauswirth.
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