Edward Paul Dietrich — Duker & Haugh

Edward Paul Dietrich, age 62, of Quincy, died on Thursday, April 10, 2025 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Ed was born on August 8, 1962, in Quincy, the son of Richard and Joan (Durand) Dietrich.

Ed worked as a laborer at Titan Wheel for 30 years. He enjoyed what he did and the people he worked with. That joy extended to his family too, who often joined him at the annual Titan picnic—a celebration he looked forward to each year.

Ed was the third of five children—the “middle child”—and a steady, loyal presence in his family. He was devoted to his parents and siblings, always there when needed, and always quietly making life better for the people around him.

From childhood, Ed had a passion for all things trains. What began with fascination grew into a lifelong hobby and expertise. He loved taking things apart and, as he got older, the satisfaction of putting them back together even more. That joy led him to hours spent tinkering at Good Samaritan Home, carefully maintaining and improving the model railroad for the Quincy Society of Model Engineers. As a proud member—and former president—of QSME, Ed never missed an opportunity to share his enthusiasm. If you knew Ed, you probably got a tour, a story, or at the very least a spark in his eyes when trains were mentioned.

His love of railroads was realized in the joy he found in watching real trains, often taking his Dad along for the ride. One of his most cherished memories was the “trip of a lifetime” he shared with his Dad and his sister—a cross-country journey by train to the Los Angeles coast. For Ed, the journey itself truly was the destination.

Ed was always ready to roll—literally. He embraced the role of master chauffeur with pride and reliability. Whether it was a quick trip across town, a ride to Bloomington, or an early airport drop-off, Ed was there with the car warming up.

He had a big heart and a generous spirit. Like his Dad, he was a phone call away—dependable, steady, and quietly heroic in the way he showed up for others. He was a thoughtful, caring uncle to his five nieces, loving them deeply and celebrating their successes with pride. He was a pillar of strength and support to his sisters and the best kind of friend and companion to his Dad.

While many knew that Ed enjoyed a good meal, not everyone knew he was a bit of a closet foodie. He was a fan of Alton Brown and loved sharing his culinary creations—always generous, always from the heart. He and his Dad were also avid fans of the Quincy Gems. You could often find the two of them side by side in the box seats behind home plate.

His faith was a guiding force in his life. A dedicated member of St. Francis Parish, Ed was active in the Holy Name Society and a constant presence at parish events. Whether it was volunteering at a fish fry, helping at parish dinners, or lending a hand at the picnic, Ed gave of himself fully and humbly.

He was loyal. He was steady. He was kind. Ed lived with a quiet devotion—to family, to faith, to friendships, and to the small, meaningful things that made life beautiful. He will be missed every day, but we are so grateful for the time we had with him. The memories, the laughter, the rides, the meals, the stories—they’ll live on.

Ed was a thoughtful and loving son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He was more than ready to lend any favor on short notice. He was a man of few words, but those of which were spoken were passionate! He was humble, but always proud to be needed, and ever gracious to be included. He stepped up and filled so many voids in the past decade, and has been a constant aide and security.

He and his Dad left this world together, and while our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing they are still riding side-by-side, maybe even catching the sound of a train whistle in the distance.

Ed is survived by THREE SISTERS: Anita Steinway and her husband Fred, Barbara Holthaus and her fiancé Michael Maas, and Tracey Boll and her husband Brad. NIECES AND NEPHEWS: Janetta Steinway, Grace McIntosh and her husband Connor, Liz Johnson and her husband Anthony, Emily Boll and Sarah Boll. Numerous cousins and other relatives also survive.

Edward’s father Richard also lost his life in the same accident. Ed was also preceded in death by his mother and a brother Dan Dietrich.

Funeral services for both Edward and his father Richard 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

In the days ahead, Ed’s family will be thoughtfully planning ways to honor both his life and his father’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.