Dietrich – Wilfred Michael Dietrich of Brooks, beloved husband of Violet Dietrich, passed away in Brooks on Thursday, September 12th, 2024 at the age of 90 years. He was born on October 4th, 1933 to Matt and Annie Dietrich on the family farm near Mendham, Saskatchewan. Wilf’s younger years were spent in Southern Saskatchewan and Alberta working on the railroad, while playing baseball and hockey in his free time. It took Wilf a while to settle down, but he finally got married at 31 years of age to the love of his life, Violet Funk, on May 22nd, 1965. Shortly thereafter they started their family. Wilf worked various jobs over the years, which included a moving and storage company, owning a grocery store in Bassano, doing accounting services in Brooks, to finally managing AnRic Reclaimers until his retirement. Giving back was important to Wilf. He was very active in the community through hockey, the Knights of Columbus, the Diabetes Association, the Foodbank and others. As a young family we visited many campgrounds with a small tent trailer. The trailers expanded over the years and Wilf and Vi traveled North America with a 5th wheel trailer during their retirement. Wilf coached all his sons at hockey (one year all together) and baseball. The love of sport continued from coaching to managing, including the Brooks Spurs and Southern Alberta Jr B league. In later years Wilf could always be found at the Bandits games. Wilf spent many a day in his yard and garden, as a way to unwind from his busy life. Later in life he made sure flowers were planted outside Vi’s room at Sunrise Gardens and he was always happy to share what he grew with others. The most important things to Wilf were his faith and his family. He dedicated his life to both. Serving in many ways at St. Mary’s Catholic church and spending every day possible at his wife’s side. With both, he was an amazing example to his family and those around him. He was known for the kindness he showed to those he came across in his daily life. Always happy to give a hug and a word of encouragement. Wilf is survived by his beloved wife Violet, 5 children; Shawn (Tara) and their 3 children Matthew, Paige and Tai; Gregory and his son Nicholas; Stephen; Rodney and Cathleen (Darryl) and their 2 children Emerson and Kirstin (Mack); brother, Richard (Lillian); sister, Audrey (Donald); sister in-law, Lovina; brother in-law, George and many nieces and nephews. Wilf was preceded in death by his sister in-law Jolene and brother in-law Louis. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Newbrook Lodge and Sunrise Gardens for their love and care. A special thanks to Thea and Dr. Thomsen for their amazing care and going above and beyond always. Know that he loved you all. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on September 23rd at 11:00 am from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rev. Eli Canete celebrant. Rev. Eligio Canete celebrant. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. In memory of Wilf, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Alberta Diabetes Foundation, 8602 112 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1.
Cremation entrusted to and conducted at
Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
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