Bruce R. Dietze

Bruce R. Dietze, 84, of Medford, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 7, 2023 at Colonial Health and Rehab Center in Colby, under the care of Medford Hope Hospice, where he resided for thirteen months.

A Funeral Service for Bruce will take place at 11:30AM on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church in Stetsonville with Pastor Richard Russow. Military honors by the Stetsonville American Legion Post #519 will follow. Visitation will take place at Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday April 15, 2023 from 9:30AM until the time of service at 11:30AM.

Bruce was born on March 6, 1939 to Gilbert and Martha (Pfaff) Dietze in Owen. He graduated from Medford High School in 1958, active in football, basketball, and track. He scored the winning free throw at a basketball game after three overtimes. Later in life he continued his athletic interests, participating in city league basketball and curling. He married Doris Blasel on November 15, 1958. They lived in Olympia, WA while Bruce was in the military. Following his service, they returned to Deer Creek, WI. Eventually they settled on a “hobby” farmstead near the Taylor County Airport. They resided there for 33 years before moving to Medford.

Bruce served in the US Army from November 1958 until August 1960. He then served in the Army National Guard for 15 months. He worked road construction for Schuette Paving in Manitowoc, operating a black top plant for a few years. He then worked for James Peterson and Sons Construction of Medford for 35 years, perfecting the skill of grader operator.

Bruce enjoyed bear hunting in Canada, deer hunting and fishing locally and in the Michigamme Reservoir. Also, he loved spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. After retirement, he and his wife traveled with and danced to “The Music Connection Band”, meeting many long lasting friends. His other hobbies include, camping, golfing, and playing dice, cards, and cribbage.

Survivors include his wife, Doris; children, Lindy (Barry) Spencer of Wauwatosa, Brenda (Scott) McKay of Rhinelander, Randel Dietze of Gillett, and Rhonda Jensen of Medford; 8 grandchildren, Nicole and Shawn Spencer, Bailey (Blaine) Welch, Sam (Shelby) McKay, Marilla McKay, Josh (Abby) Dietze, Megan (Justin) Dietze-Fiedler, and Izaiah Dietze; 7 great-grandchildren, Easton Spencer, Gabriel, Eliyanah, and Cyrus Welch, Sawyer McKay, and Mason and Isabelle Dietze; brother, Gary Dietze; sister-in-law, Nancy (Dietze) Jordan. Bruce is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Preceding Bruce in death were his parents, sister, Eileen and brother-in-law, Don Fore, brother, Dennis Dietze, and son-in-law, Kevin Jensen.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

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