Richard J. "Rich" Dietman

Mass of Christian burial for Rich Dietman, age 75, will be held December 19, 2025, at the Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Rockville, MN with visitation 10:00 – 11:45 followed by mass at 12 noon. Burial in Calvary Cemetery at Rockville will be at a later time.

Richard J. Dietman was born September 1,1950. He was the 2nd of 12 children born to Wilfred C. and Leona (Ahmann) Dietman. Rich grew up in Waite Park, MN. On March 8, 1975, he married Carol L. Orth at St. Anthony Church, St. Cloud. They moved to Rockville in September of 1976 where they raised their two sons, Troy and Charlie. Rich died peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 10, 2025, after a five-month battle with an aggressive cancer.

Rich graduated from St. Cloud Tech High School in 1969. He also attended St. Cloud Vocational Tech College for auto mechanics. Rich and Carol moved to Rockville in 1976 on land owned and farmed since 1869 by generations of Dietmans. Rich was known for his welding skills, building many car trailers from scratch. The three-stall garage was used as a workshop for mechanical and welding projects. He was generous with his time and expertise to anyone who needed help. The garage also doubled as a gathering place for friends and family. Since the mid 90’s annual Labor Day horseshoe tournaments, birthday parties, fish fries, and Bouja parties were held there. We can’t forget the Friday night ‘safety’ meetings! No invitations needed to attend for laughs, camaraderie and a drink or two.

Rich was a simple and generous man who devoted much time in the 70’s and 80’s to the Mud Slingin’ 4 Wheel Drive Club. He had a passion for hill climbing and drag racing. This included family camping where you could possibly wake-up to cows looking at you. The club was ‘family’ attending many events as a group.

While working at Gertken Landscaping Rich made a special friend, Mark Dickinson, who ended up moving to Texas. Rich would not fly or consider time on water. Carol finally convinced Rich to drive to Texas in 1991. Since then, it has been an annual trip to Texas to see Mark,  his wife Brenda and friends.

Rich is survived by his wife, Carol, sons Troy (Nichole) and Charlie (Carrie), grandchildren Natalie, Allissa, Jace and Reese; siblings, Ken (Vonnie), Karen (Dale) Borgmann, Margie (Lee) Brown, Barb (Joel) Nelson, Mary Lou Thyen, Rose Meyer, Paula Dietman; In-laws Dale (Pat) Orth, Jerry (Mary) Orth, Jeff Orth. Preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Rita, Wilfred Dietman Jr., Mike, Jerry. In-laws Wally and Virginia Orth, Patricia Orth.

Rich’s family would like to thank Centra Care Hospice for their dedication of care for Rich during his last weeks with us.