Eugene Dietz

Dietz, Eugene Eugene was born January 1, 1922 in Pforzheim, Germany to Elizabeth Rinehart Dietz and Eugene Dietz. He married Ruth Hedwig Rathfelder on December 18, 1943. He is preceded in death by his wife Ruth, his son Siegfried, his son in law Bob Palmer, his siblings Heiner, Karl, Paul, Hanne, his brothers in law Otto Wessinger, Glisa Krivokuca, Rudi Scheirer and sister in law Marlene Dietz. He is survived by his daughter Marika Palmer and son Wolfgang (Vicki) Dietz, siblings Trude, Elsa, Erich, Elfriede, and Heidi (Dieter), his sister in law Christa (Heinz) Hager. He continues to have a loving relationship with all of his family in Germany, Austria, and Italy. Eugene loved all of his grandchildren Victoria (Dwayne) Johnson, Christina (David) Timmons, Alex (Erin) Palmer, Nicole, Brittney, and Lauren. Great grandchildren Brooklyn, Andrew, Carolyn, Christopher, Katelyn, Emma, and Kian. Great great granddaughter Zareyah. Eugene survived WWII and immigrated to the United States in 1952 with his wife, Ruth and daughter Marika. Eugene had a long and successful career at Rike's in downtown Dayton which gave him great satisfaction. He worked in the display department, especially enjoying the holiday season building the Christmas window displays, Santa Land and Tike's Shop which created magic for everyone. He was a Boy Scout leader, camping and hiking with his sons Wolfgang and Siegfried. Eugene found pleasure in soccer, coaching and watching games, playing the accordion and harmonica, dancing at the Octoberfest in Englewood, taking walks, gardening and playing chess and Halma. Many projects were crafted in the garage with his sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren such as a covered wagon and Pinewood Derby cars. Spending time with Opa in his garage is such a fond memory. Eugene and Ruth were the inspiration for the book, "Surviving WWII, the Story of a German Soldier and his Family", written by his granddaughter Victoria Johnson. The family would like to thank the residents and staff of Brookhaven, the staff of Home Instead, the sixth floor staff at Miami Valley Hospital and the staff at Hospice of Dayton for their sincere care and friendship. Eugene's and Siegfried's lives were celebrated on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at the Trotwood Church of the Brethren, officiated by Pastor Jennifer Keeney Scarr and Glenn Timmons.