William Henry Dietrich, a dedicated husband, father, and accomplished transportation engineer, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, at the age of 89. A memorial celebration of his life was held on May 24, 2025, at the Irvine United Congregational Church in Irvine, California, marking what would have been his 90th birthday.
Born on December 11, 1935, in Berwyn, Illinois, Bill Dietrich spent his early years in the Midwest before relocating to Albuquerque, New Mexico, during his high school years. He pursued higher education at the prestigious California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech), where he laid the foundation for a career that would leave a lasting impact on the field of engineering.
In the summer of 1957, Bill married his lifelong partner, Jean Dietrich, whom he met on a blind date. Their marriage, which lasted for an impressive 67 years, became a cornerstone of Bill’s life. Following their wedding, the couple settled in Dayton, Ohio, where Bill served in the Air Force while also earning a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering.
Throughout his career, Bill was known for his unwavering kindness and wisdom, traits that endeared him to colleagues and friends alike. He co-founded DKS Associates, a firm that became influential in the transportation engineering sector. His work helped shape transportation systems that improved the daily lives of countless individuals.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was a man of diverse interests. He enjoyed reading, playing bridge, traveling, and golfing, activities that enriched his life and fostered connections with others. His family remembers him not only as a skilled engineer but also as a compassionate mentor and a source of inspiration.
Bill was a devoted father to his three children: David, Douglas, and Deborah. He took great pride in being a grandfather to eleven grandchildren and a great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren. Family was paramount to him, and his legacy lives on through the generations he nurtured.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen, and his sister, Marilyn. Their memories, along with Bill’s, continue to provide comfort and strength to those he left behind.
As friends and family gathered to celebrate Bill’s remarkable life, they shared stories that reflected his character and values. The sentiments expressed during the memorial underscored the profound impact he had on everyone who knew him.
Bill Henry Dietrich’s life was characterized by purpose, heart, and grace. The warmth of his presence will be deeply missed, but the memories shared will remain a source of strength for all who were fortunate enough to know him.
