Obituary for Donald J. Dietzen
Danville - Donald J. Dietzen, 79, passed away on April 14, 2018 at home in Danville. Don was born in Danville on September 8, 1938 to John W. and Margaret (Leven) Dietzen. He married his best friend, Rita K. Runyon, on October 7, 1961 at the former St. Patrick’s Church in Danville. They shared fifty-six years together.
Don is survived by his wife, Rita, their three children, Elizabeth (Philip) Purcell of Noblesville, IN, Dennis (Laura) Dietzen of Glen Carbon, IL, John (Sherry) Dietzen of Fishers, IN, and four grandchildren, Benjamin and Alexander Purcell, Noah and Sarah Dietzen. He is also survived by a sister, Sr. John Margaret CSC, a sister-in-law, Joanne (Alan) Runyon-Schuler, many nieces, nephews, and two special cousins. Don was preceded in death by two brothers, Rev. John J. Dietzen and Robert L. Dietzen, a sister, Sr. Catherine Dolores CSC, and a brother-in-law, Jim Runyon.
Don was a 1956 graduate of Schlarman High School and received an associate degree from St. Bede College in Peru, IL in 1958. He served his country as an Army Reservist from 1961-1967. Don was employed by the Veterans Administration as a Benefits Counselor for over thirty-five years. Following retirement, he drove the courtesy van for the Danville Eye Clinic and worked as bailiff for the Vermillion County Courts.
Don loved playing and coaching sports. He was a gifted musician and vocalist. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Holy Family Catholic Church where he served in many capacities including lector, Eucharistic minister, school board member, and cantor. Most recently he served as parish trustee.
Don was always ready to help others. He loved his family and they were the greatest joy of his life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 10:30 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 444 East Main Street Danville, IL. Father Steven Loftus will officiate. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, 818 Wendt Ave in Danville, IL. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 followed by visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion in Danville, IL and on Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 9:30 – 10:15 AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be directed to: Resurrection Cemetery in care of Holy Family Catholic Church, 444 E. Main in Danville, IL 61832; Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry with the Poor, St. Mary’s, Notre Dame, IN 46556; Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for childhood cancer, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004; or another charity of choice.
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