Daniel L. Dietrich's Obituary
Dan was born on April 8, 1942 in Wyandotte, Michigan. He was the son of Simon Peter and Anna Mae Dietrich. He was the 2nd of five children. His siblings are Pat, Christine, Nicholas, and Mary. Growing up Dan had the largest paper route in Port Huron Michigan. He ran it like a business and he saved up his money to buy his first boat. Later Dan traded in his boat for a bunk on the USS Comstock. He joined the Navy in 1962 and served until 1966 as an E5 pipe fitter. During his service he received the Good Conduct National Defense Service Medal, as well as the Vietnam Service Medal. While he was in the Navy he met Leah Paulette Barnes whom he lovingly called Paulee. They met in 1963 and were married on March 21, 1965. After discharge from the Navy, Dan worked as a lineman in Michigan for Detroit Edison. Dan and Paulee moved to San Diego where he started work at SDG&E, where he worked for 38 years. He then did independent electrical contracting for more than five years.For Dan the most important thing in life was family, and loved spoiling them. Dan and Paulee have three children: Michele, Katie and Jacquie. He was known as Papa to Tyler, Daniel, Amanda, Jacob, Madelynne, and Lillian. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye. Dan was blessed to have many good friends. As well as being a hard-working family man, Dan also enjoyed traveling and exploring nature. Dan often said, “I can always find God in nature.” From a very young age, Dan was drawn to water and loved driving his own boat on Lake Huron. His absolute favorite place to visit was Yosemite, where he hiked Nevada and Vernal falls with his “wifey”. Dan always enjoyed picnics at the bay with his family, admiring sunsets from his yard, and eating oranges from his own tree. Being a cowboy at heart, he loved country music, especially George Straight.He was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will forever be in our hearts.
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