Robert H. Dieter

Robert H. Dieter was born at Vail, Iowa, February 9, 1924, the son of George E. and Loretta Monaghan Dieter. He was raised on the family farm one mile north of Vail and graduated from St. Ann High School with the class of 1942. On March 8, 1943, Robert was united in marriage with Margaret Helen Lally at St. Ann Catholic Church in Vail. Their union was blessed with six children: Patricia, Joan, Robert, Greg, Tom, and Brian. They made their home on the farm at Vail where Robert was actively engaged in his love of farming. He was a good conservationist, practicing contour farming, and with his father, helped measure the hills of Crawford County on foot for the first terraces. He was a mechanic, making equipment he used on the farm and enjoyed repairing his and others machinery. Robert was quick to assist others in need and greatly enjoyed the society of the farm with the mutual sharing of labor with his neighbors as needed. He loved the farm animals and was especially fond of Holstein dairy cattle. The Dieter’s retired from farming and moved into Vail in 1983. In retirement he spent time making things with his tools and welder and enjoyed classical and Big Band music. He and Helen spent several winters traveling in the south. He enjoyed socializing with friends and family and telling stories of his early farm life in Vail and Crawford County. Having been blessed with a beautiful tenor voice, Robert loved singing and shared his talents as soloist for over a hundred weddings, sang the national anthem at ballgames and as a member the St. Ann's church choir. Robert was a lifelong active member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Vail, serving on the Finance Council, on many committees through the years as needed and was a member of Knights of Columbus. Other memberships he enjoyed included involvement in the Vail Community Club and on the Vail Board of Adjustment. Lovingly surrounded by his wife and six children, Robert died Friday morning, September 23, 2011, at his home in Vail, having been blessed with 87 years, 7 months and 14 days. Being the last survivor of his immediate family, Robert joins in heaven his parents, George and Loretta Dieter, brother, George L. (Bud) Dieter, sister, Dorothy Dieter Cunningham, and two grandsons, Jonathan and Shadrach Dieter. Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife of over 68 years, Margaret Helen Dieter of Vail, Iowa; six children and their spouses: Patricia and John Reidell of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, Joan and John Fraser of Placerville, California, Robert and Mary Beth Dieter of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Greg and Peggy Dieter of Ames, Iowa, Tom and Sandra Dieter of Sarasota, Florida, and Brian and Mari Dieter of College Station, Texas; 31 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; his Cunningham nieces, Laura, Rita, and Diane of California and other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 26, 2011, at St. Ann Catholic Church, Vail, Iowa, with Father Paul Kelly as Celebrant. Other participating in the mass included Christian Symbol Placers: Margaret Helen and the children; Servers: Maggie and Mary Lawler and Jessi Drees; Lectors: Dan Lally and Rob Dieter; and Gift Bearers: Abigail Dieter and Joe Dieter. Music for the mass was provided by soloist, John A. Dieter, singing “Panis Angelicus” and “Ave Maria” and St. Ann Choir singing “Be Not Afraid” and “On Eagles’ Wings” with Irene Fielmeier as accompanist. Honorary pallbearers were his Godchildren: Dick Lally, Mike Lally, Jim Lawler, Janet Pribyl Fitzpatrick, Timothy Lally, Teri Dieter, and Sarah Reidell. Those serving as pallbearers included grandsons: Christopher Dieter, Jered Dieter, Aaron Dieter, Benjamin Reidell, Miguel Dieter, James Fraser, and Rob Dieter, accompanied by granddaughters Anne Smith, Allison Graening, Melissa Dieter, Clare Dieter and Brynna Sytsma. Interment was at St. Ann Catholic Cemetery, Vail, Iowa. Following the interment the family cordially invited everyone to join them at the Vail Community Building for fellowship and a meal prepared and served by St. Ann Church. Sunday prayers included a Legion of Mary Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a Parish Vigil Service, led by Father Timothy Friedrichsen, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Vail. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , Denison, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.