OSCAR L. DIETZ, 85

Oscar L. Dietz, 85, of Broomfield,Colo., died Jan. 20, 2003, at Louisville, Colo.

Memorial services were held Thursday, Jan. 23, at Cross of Christ, and will also be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Russell, Kan. Interment will be at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church cemetery.

Oscar Lawrence Dietz was born April 30, 1917 in Galatia, Kan., to Adam Dietz and Martha Margaret Karst.

On June 4, 1939, he married Leona Eurich in Milberger, Kan. Following the death of his wife in 1968, he married Elizabeth Sinner Rummel in Milberger.

He farmed in northwestern Barton County, Kan., for many years. After the death of his first wife, he moved to Hoisington, Kan. Mr. Dietz and his second wife moved to Great Bend, Kan., where he worked at Big A Auto Parts. In 1991, the couple moved to Broomfield, Colo. He then worked with his son-in-law, Paul Dirks, on a number of construction projects in the area.

He was devoted to his family, communities, and churches, both in Kansas and Colorado, and volunteered in many capacities over the years. One important ministry was his service in both locations for the Gideons International. Singing was a highlight of his life. Over the years, he was involved in church choirs and quartets, special Mass choirs, and community choirs.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Cheryl Baron and friend, Ron Bittner of Omaha; daughters and sons-in-law, JoLana and Lloyd Pinon and Carma and John Deitsch, all of Topeka; stepchildren and spouses, Norma and Paul Dirks of Brromfield, and Harlan and Arleen Rummel of Sacramento, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

In addition to his first wife, Leona, he was preceded in death by a son, Larry Dean Dietz, in 1966.

Memorials are suggested to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church; Gideons International or United Emmanuel Lutheran Church.