Vernon Victor Dietz

Vernon Victor Dietz, 91, passed away peacefully at his home on Feb 21, 2025. Born in Quincy, Mo on Sept 15, 1933, Vernon was raised and worked on the family farm until moving to the Amourdale area of Kansas City, KS in 1947. At the age of 16, he joined the Kansas National Guard, serving in Company F, 137th Infantry for 2 years. The day after he completed his service, Vernon joined the US Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953. He then completed his service to his country in the Air Force Reserves (inactive) after the war ended, receiving his third Honorable Discharge in Nov, 1958. Coach Dietz was a successful and popular football and baseball coach for many years, leading his teams to numerous championships and more important, leading boys to become men. He was a beloved mentor, a 2nd or only father figure, and teacher to many kids and young adults who crossed his path. Vern was employed for over 30 years at Colgate-Palmolive in Kansas City, KS, where he was elected President of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers (OCAW) Union local 5-114. For more than 16 years, Vern proudly represented the workers at Colgate. In 1985, he was elected to lead the OCAW International Union in a labor alliance formed with US and Canadian workers. Together with his beloved wife, Louise, Vern retired in 1991. A few years later, they started Dietz Thoroughbred Racing & OCI Ranch in Linwood County, and for many years, enjoyed traveling, training & racing horses whenever they weren't busy with their family or spoiling grandkids at the ranch or at home. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Alta Fay (Relaford) and Marshall Mann Dietz, his wife, Helen L. Dietz, son Marshall R. Dietz (Sarah), grandson, Christopher Grinstead, infant sister Veda Marie Dietz, sister Leta Shaumeyer, and brother, Leonard Dietz. Dad was recently preceded in death by our mom and the love of his life, Edith “Louise” Dietz, to whom he was married for 52 years and together raised a beautiful blended family of 9. Vernon is survived by his sons, Victor Dietz (Camdenton, Mo), Greg Holmes (Shelly), Basehor KS, Daughters, Barbara Dietz-Ray and Caren Nagy, both of KCK, and Carol Porras and Teresa Grinstead (Bob) of Hurst TX, his sister, Ruth Bakarich of Edwardsville, KS, and dozens of nieces & nephews, including his beloved Bakarich, Day, and Carroll kids. Papa will be missed deeply by his grandchildren, Erica Nagy, Jessie Knight, Heather Dietz, Bridget Dietz, Erin Nitz, Lauren Bennett, Max Ray, Taylor Porras, Lucy Dietz, Tommie Hester, Jake Nagy, Hannah Bacon-Dietz, Carlie Holmes, and Natalie Holmes, as well as his 9 great-grandchildren, Damien Griswold, Mackenzie Bennett, Michael Bennett, Kylie Dietz, Taygen Hester, Tommie Hester, Traycen Porras, Stella Knight, and Bailey Knight. Our dad lived a life built on love, laughter, & leadership. And he lived it well. His legacy will live on in our family through our memories, but also through the memories of the many lives he touched and families he lifted. Visitation is Friday, Mar 14th 9am-10am & the Celebration of Vernon's Life is from 10-11am at Maple Hill Funeral Home, 3300 Shawnee Dr, KCK 66106. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in dad's memory to the Kansas Special Olympics or your local youth sports league.

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Vernon Victor Dietz

September 15, 1933 - February 21, 2025