Jack L. Dietz

December 22, 1936 - March 26, 2018

​ Jack Dietz, 81, of Oskaloosa died Monday, March 26, 2018, with his loving daughter Denise by his side and the remarkable care of the nurses at Hospice Care at the MHP Hospital in Oskaloosa. He was born December 23, 1936, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Roy Wesley and Opal Elizabeth Knepper Dietz. He graduated from East Waterloo High School with the class of 1955. Following graduation, He served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1958, after serving time on the Korean peninsula he was honorably discharged from the Army. Upon his discharge he returned to Waterloo where he would meet and marry Arlene Schultz in December of 1959. Jack relocated his now growing family to Tampa, Florida where his brother Jay and his wife Marlene and their flock of children lived. Family would call them back and, after almost a decade in the Florida sun, He would move his family to Iowa and to Oskaloosa. In 1977 he would Mary Martha Washington and together they would build a small house on North First street in Oskaloosa. In his younger years he enjoyed a couple cans of Old Milwaukee, playing a game of pool and listening to Jazz. Later in life He enjoyed reading real crime stories and riding his bicycle around the many scenic areas of Iowa. Throughout his life He would always have a soft spot in his heart for animals, supporting a number of animal charities. He had the armor of a dry wit matched with disarmingly sparkling blue eyes. He had zero tolerance for stupid people in particular those of the political right variety. His family includes his children, Denise Dietz of Glendale, Arizona, Darin Dietz of San Diego, California and Hillary Hurley of Ottumwa; two sisters, Pat (Kenny) Hughes of Oskaloosa and Judy Saeger of Sierra Vista, Arizona; and three grand dogs, Charly, Roxy, and Lucy. The family would like to thank Missy and all the nurses and assistance that offer their wonderful spirit and love to those at the end of their lives. As was his wish his body has been cremated. There will be a private family graveside Military service presented by the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. to be held April 28, 2018 at the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. The family asks that you consider donating to the ASPC or the Serenity House of Oskaloosa in honor of Jack Dietz.