James G. Dietrich

Dietrich, James G. Merrill, Michigan Passed away early Friday, October 20, 2017, at the age of 81 years. The son of the late Walter and Bertha (Henske) Dietrich, he was born April 11, 1936, in Merrill, and had been a life-long resident. He graduated from Merrill High School with the Class of 1955. He retired from Saginaw Steering Gear after 34 years of service. He engaged in farming in Merrill all of his life. He had been an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Hemlock. He enjoyed bowling, camping and fishing, and loved playing cards with his card group. He married Caroljean Bluemer on May 10, 1958; she survives him. He also leaves three daughters and sons-in-law, Jeanell and Terrance Pretzer, Saginaw; Joann and Gary Frost, Merrill; Jeanette and Dan Thiel, Saginaw; nine grandchildren and their spouses, James and Debbie Pretzer, Robert Pretzer and Nichole Higgins, Kyle and Tobi Frost, Ryan and Caitlyn Frost, Amanda and Mike Budge, Tracy Thiel, Tricia Thiel, Brandon Brown and Jacob Thiel; eight great-grandchildren, James "J.T." Pretzer, Riley Pretzer, Oliver Pretzer, Willow Pretzer, Danielle Jule, Elizabeth Frost, Callen Frost, and Abigail Budge; one sister and her husband, Eloise and Ron Sherman; several nieces, nephews and their families. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Duane Dietrich. Funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 23, 2017, at Zion Lutheran Church, 17927 Dice Road, Hemlock. Rev. Paul A. Hauser will officiate with burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 125 E. Saginaw Street, Merrill, from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and then at the church on Monday from 12:00 noon until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Zion Lutheran Church or the Merrill District Library. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
125 East Saginaw Street
Merrill, MI
United States 48637