Stefan "Steve"

Diettrich

Stefan "Steve" Diettrich, 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Bowling Green Manor, Bowling Green, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents Stefan and Barbara (Leitgib) Diettrich. He is survived by his son, Stefan J. Diettrich; sister, Mary (Allen) Green; sister, Elizabeth Bates; granddaughter, Chloe Diettrich; loving nieces and nephews.

Steve was born on December 29, 1938 in Vertesboglar, Hungary. Steve's family overcame great adversity during the post World War II era in Germany and Hungary. In 1952, at the age of 14, Steve immigrated with his family to the United States via Ellis Island with the assistance of the Catholic Church. The family settled in Paulding, OH where he again overcame adversity attending school without speaking the English language. Overcoming this challenge, Steve was able to excel, especially athletically. He was competitive and possessed great enthusiasm and athletic abilities. In fact, he is a member of the 1957 Paulding High School football team inducted into the Class of 2013 Hall of Fame. He treasured the memories and those of his teammates. He had a life-long love of sports enjoying golf, running, and as an active member of the Princeton Tennis Club in New Berlin, Milwaukee where he was known to be a dominant force on the tennis court. He enjoyed winning, but really enjoyed the physicality and staying fit.

Steve graduated from Paulding High School in 1958 and was drafted in the United States Army. He attended basic training at Fort Campbell, KY and went on to serve his country proudly from 1962 to 1964 and settled in South Milwaukee, WI thereafter.

Steve began working for Republic Airlines and eventually Northwest Airlines. He spent his entire working career affiliated with the airline industry. This affiliation allowed him the opportunity to travel the world which he did with enthusiasm and vigor. He had a love of photography and captured many of his adventures on film. He was an active member of Skal International, an organization that connects travel and tourism professionals all around the world where he served as the Milwaukee Chapter President. Steve often traveled with other members of this organization making life-long friendships and memories he treasured.

Steve was a faith filled member of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, South Milwaukee. He credited his opportunities in America to the Church's efforts to transport his family from Western Europe.

Visitation will be on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Paulding.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 am on Saturday at the church with Father Austin Ammanniti officiating. Burial will follow at Paulding Memorial Cemetery, Paulding, OH.

The family suggests tributes to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Bowling Green Manor, or Divine Mercy Catholic Parish - Paulding.