John Dietrich, 76, of Salem, passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, surrounded by his family listening to some of his favorite songs.
He was born February 18, 1947, in Salem, the son of Fred Dietrich and Evelyn (Koelker) Dietrich. He married Debbie Rhoads on September 13, 1997, in Salem and she survives.
In addition to his wife of 26, years, Debbie Dietrich of Salem, John is also survived by his five children: Melanie Webb and husband Larry of Ewing, B.J. Dietrich and wife Isabel of St. Louis, Missouri, Chris Holm and wife Ashley of Denver, Colorado, Andy Holm and wife Anne of Jackson, Missouri, and Scott Holm and wife Susan of Kansas City, Missouri; twelve grandchildren: Grace, Eli, Aaron, Evan, Lexi, Claire, Emma, Elena, Issac, Jake, Bennett, and Veronica; his sister: Anne Elkins and husband George of Aiken, South Carolina; one niece: Elizabeth Chisholm and husband Michael of Aiken, South Carolina; several great-nephews; and several friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Fred and Evelyn Dietrich.
In earlier years, John would help coach little league baseball with his son, B.J. and he never missed one of Melanie’s dance recitals. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Fan and he was also a hardcore Duke Basketball Fan. If you drove by John’s house, you could find him working on his free throw shot or just shooting hoops in his driveway. Traveling to Las Vegas and Destin, Florida were two of his favorite spots to visit with his wife, Debbie. John had an unreal love for music. The Doobie Brothers, Reo Speed Wagon, and Lynyrd Skynyrd were a few of his favorite Rock N Roll bands.
John was a devoted husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed by all.
Funeral Service will be held Monday, October 16, 2023, at 1:00 PM at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home in Salem with Pastor Denise Burke officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the East Lawn Cemetery in Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salem Elks Lodge 1678 and the Salem Township Hospital Foundation and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home at 310 North Broadway/ P.O. Box 97 Salem, Illinois 62881, (618)548-1234, who is honored to be of service to John’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Home Facebook Page.
