Frank Dietrich

Formerly of Las Animas and more recently a resident of Casa del Sol, Frank Dietrich died Monday, Dec. 14, three weeks short of his 96th birthday, at the AVRMC Nursing Care Center.

Born Jan 4, 1914 to Frank Adam and Louise Edwards Dietrich and raised in Pittsburgh, Pa., as a young man Mr. Dietrich fell in love with the Southwest and resolved to make his life there.

After receiving his masters degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh, he moved to New Mexico, where he met his future wife, Christine, and worked until he was drafted during World War II. He served in. the U.S. Army, while his identical twin brother chose to be a conscientious objector. The two brothers, who were very close, exchanged letters throughout the war discussing their disagreement on this subject. In 2005 many of these letters were published in a book entitled, “Army G.I, Pacifist C.O.”

In 1951, Mr. Dietrich accepted the post of chief of social service at the veterans’ hospital at Fort Lyon. Where he remained for the rest of his career.

A classical music lover all his life, Mr. Dietrich played viola in the Pueblo Symphony and participated in many chamber ensembles. He last performed publicly in a concert this fall at the nursing home, produced by his daughter, Susan Dietrich Schneider. He played traditional European folk songs on his viola.

He attended the Methodist churches in La Junta, and earlier, in Las Animas, where he was very active. He also actively supported The Nature Conservancy for many years.

Mr. Dietrich is survived by Christine Dickey Dietrich, his wife of 66 years, and daughters Sally and Susan, son Larry, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.



A memorial service will be Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., at the United Methodist Church of La Junta.