Willis L Dietz

Memorial Graveside Services for Willis L. Dietz will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Orleans Cemetery in Orleans, Nebraska, with Pastor Thalia Woodworth officiating.  Military Honors will be provided by the Orleans American Legion Post #184 in conjunction with the United States Army Military Funeral Honors Team.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; the Dietz family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Willis' memorial graveside service, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.  Willis' memorial graveside service will be live streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Homes Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622

Willis Lee Dietz, 88 years of age, of rural Orleans, passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021 at his home.  Willis was born on July 22, 1932, at the farm, in rural Orleans, the second of four sons to Christian and Mildred (Stroh) Dietz.  Willis received his primary education from Rural District #60 through the 8 ^th Grade.  Following his education, Willis began farming.

On April 29, 1957, Willis was inducted into the United States Army and received training at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Fort Riley, Kansas.  Willis was stationed in Bad Krausnick, Germany.  Willis was awarded the Sharpshooter Badge and the Good Conduct Medal, and was honorably discharged on February 6, 1959 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois.  He then served in the Army Reserves until 1963.

On October 2, 1966, Willis was united in marriage to Judith Marie Nelson in Kearney, Nebraska.  The couple made their home at the farm in rural Harlan County, Nebraska.  This union was blessed with one son, Chris.  The family enjoyed gardening and hunting. The couple would divorce in later years.

Willis enjoyed the day-to-day farming and cattle operations, up to the day of his death.  He was also employed by the Harlan County Department of Roads for 34 years, and the Ag COOP in Alma, Nebraska.

Willis was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Christopher Bennett Dietz on February 23, 2002; and a sister-in-law, Betty Dietz on July 24, 2019.

Willis is survived by: his son, Chris Dietz and his wife, Tammy of Amherst, Nebraska; one granddaughter, Lucille Dietz of Amherst, Nebraska; three brothers:  Bobby Dietz of rural Orleans; Jim Dietz and his wife, Carol of Stamford, Nebraska; and Wayne Dietz and his wife, Sherry of Orleans; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

There will be no Memorial Book Signing or Visitation.  The family is honoring his wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Willis' honor and kindly suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is assisting the family with the arrangements.