Dylce Lionel Dietz, Father, Grandfather, Husband, Engineer and Craftsman passed on to a different journey on December 18, 2025. Born July 30, 1929 in Sterling Kansas to Louis and Ethel Dietz. He was married to Louise Holland Dietz (Dukelow) December 27, 1950. His life was a mix of skills and experiences. Some would consider him reserved. Others would be amazed by his knowledge and skills. Attending Sterling area schools and then to Kansas State University. He met his future wife, Louise on a blind date from mutual friends. He began a career as a farmer. The responsibility of children and the offer of working for the local telephone exchange determined his future.
He rose from being a farmer to a pole climbing lineman at the MidKan Telephone Exchange in Sterling, Kansas, to the State Plant Engineer for three-state region with Continental Telephone. Upon retirement in 1985, he continued working as a telecommunications consultant for 15 additional years. His work was well respected in the Kansas telephone industry for his 50 years tenure. Most of the old telephones found at the Museum of Independent Telephony at Abilene were restored by Dylce.
His interests and skills outside of work amazed friends, relatives and family. Whether it was metal, wood, cars, boats, or even landscaping, there were few skills which he could not master. One masterpiece of his skills was taking a historic Ottawa home built over 100 years earlier and reengineering it to look period-correct but with all the modern conveniences while meeting historic preservation standards. He helped others in his neighborhood with restoration and repair without concern of compensation. He will be remembered for his kindness, expertise, and knowledge. Dylce was physically and mentally active until the final months. Friends and others were amazed at his capability when he was 96.
His one brother, Valdean preceded him death. Dylce is survived by his wife, Louise Dietz of Ottawa Kansas; daughter Carole Domogala (and Dan) of Phoenix AZ; sons Mark Dietz (and Melissa) of Georgetown TX and Steven Dietz (and Barbara) of Merriam KS; Dylce’s youngest son, James, preceded him in death in 2019; Granddaughters Annalise Dietz and Alayna Dietz of Annapolis MD; Cara Gatlin of Ottawa Kansas, Jeannette Gatlin (King) of Seattle, Washington,; Grandson Grant Dietz of Georgetown Texas and; Great-grandsons Oliver and Sullivan King.
Dylce would have wanted any remembrances to be directed to Lamb-Roberts Funeral home in Ottawa, Kansas. Flowers are not requested.
A celebration of life is planned but has not been determined at this time.
