Richard “Dick” Wilbur Dietrich — Duker & Haugh

Richard “Dick” Wilbur Dietrich, age 89, of Quincy, died on Thursday, April 10, 2025 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Dick was born on December 15, 1935 in Adams County, IL, the son of Alois and Wilfrieda (Ehrhardt) Dietrich. He married Joan M. Durand on January 26, 1957 in St. Rose Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on October 24, 2013.

Rich was a machinist for Electric Wheel for 28 years. Later, he worked as a custodian for the Quincy Public Schools for 13 years.

To know Dick—Papa Dick to so many—was to know true friendship. He was a friend to everyone and, without question, a best friend to more people than he ever realized. His heart was full of kindness, generosity, and forgiveness. He listened more than he spoke, never complained, and encouraged us to live by the same gentle wisdom he carried: “If you don’t have anything good to say, you don’t need to say it.”

He had the patience of Job and a calm spirit that grounded those around him. In times of stress, his favorite reassurance was always, “The first thing is, we’re not going to get excited.” Adversity never rattled him—he took life’s ups and downs in stride. He’d remind us, “If you never felt bad, you’d never know how good you feel.”

Dick grew up on a farm, where he learned the value of hard work and the strength of family. He attended St. Anthony’s School and remained a man of deep faith throughout his life. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society.

He also served his community in a way that reflected his deep compassion for others—he was a loyal more than 20-gallon blood donor. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Eagles, the United Auto Workers and the National Rifle Association.

He could fix anything—truly, anything. Whether it was a broken toy or a leaky faucet, he showed up with tools, time, and tenderness. He helped too many people to count, and never hesitated when someone needed a hand.

Dick had a genuine love for life’s simple pleasures. Sunshine, he often said, was the best medicine, and he could sit for hours watching the backyard chickens. A porch swing, a good visit, and time with people he loved were his idea of a perfect day. His gratitude was deep and constant—no matter the circumstances, his response to “How are you?” was always, “Better than I deserve” or “Somewhere between okay and alright.”

He believed birthdays were sacred—everyone should get the day off—and he never missed a chance to celebrate the people he loved. He loved laughing and telling corny dad jokes. His sense of humor was gentle, playful, and always present, a reminder to take life a little less seriously and enjoy the moment.

Endlessly curious, he never stopped learning or trying new things. He went tandem skydiving, floated in a hot air balloon, and wouldn’t have hesitated to hop on a space rocket. He loved riding “shotgun” and never turned down a good drive—especially with great company.

As a father, he was everything: teacher, guide, protector, encourager. He showed his kids what love looked like through quiet strength, hard work, and steadfast presence. He was committed to giving his family a good life—and he did so with grace and pride.

As a grandfather—Papa Dick—he was truly one-of-a-kind. Not only did his family call him that, but so did all their friends. His joy was never more evident than when he was with his grandkids. He was always fully present and always game: jumping on trampolines, getting down on the floor to play, and watching SpongeBob with them like it was the greatest show on Earth. He was their biggest fan.

A true patriot, Dick loved his country with all his heart and believed deeply in its promise. He lived with purpose, led with integrity, and never stopped working to make the world a better place—one person, one act of kindness at a time.

Dick was a constant motivator and never gave up on you. He truly believed in the power of human will and determination. He was optimistic, open-minded, and would always look at the bright side of things. Through and through again, he would live by and preach: you’ve got to keep on keepin’ on, and keep smilin’.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are beyond grateful to have shared our lives with him. His steady hand, kind heart, playful spirit, and humble wisdom will live on in all of us—forever better than we deserve.

Dick is survived by THREE DAUGHTERS: Anita Steinway and her husband Fred, Barbara Holthaus and her fiancé Michael Maas, and Tracey Boll and her husband Brad.
GRANDCHILDREN: Janetta Steinway, Grace McIntosh and her husband Connor, Liz Johnson and her husband Anthony, Emily Boll and Sarah Boll.
A SISTER-IN-LAW: Kate Dietrich

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives also survive.

Richard’s son Edward also lost his life in the same accident.

In addition to his wife, Dick was also preceded in death by a son Dan Dietrich and siblings: Joseph Dietrich along with his wife Dorothy, Paul Dietrich along with his wife Leona, Maurice ‘Mose’ Dietrich, John Dietrich along with his wife Jane and Rita Hummel along with her husband Robert.

Funeral services for both Richard and his son Edward will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 9:30 AM in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.

In the days ahead, Dick’s family will be thoughtfully planning ways to honor both his life and his son Edward’s through memorial gifts. Their memory will live on not only in our hearts, but also in the meaningful ways their passions, generosity, and quiet strength continue to shape and support the community they loved so deeply. Memorials may be directed in care of Barb Holthaus and Tracey Boll.

The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.