Dieter was born in East Germany at the start of the Second World War. At the age of three he escaped to a Denmark refugee camp with his mother, Elise, and siblings. Once the war ended they moved to Muenster/Brehloh, Germany. The family eventually immigrated to Canada to join his father and siblings; he was 14 years old. Once arriving in Canada, he attended Thompson School in Regina, learning English and a few other choice things on the playground.

Dieter had a strong work ethic and worked while in school, setting bowling pins at Golden Mile bowling alley, installing hardwood floors with his brother in the evening and other odd jobs. His motivation came to help the family and to purchase a new car.

Dieter played soccer with Concordia across western Canada winning several championships. He enjoyed many sports and athletic endeavours that eventually led to bowling in his last few years.

After losing a permanent position with Sears for driving without a license, he turned 21 in prison, (he would joke about that!) he apprenticed as a plumber at Monarch Plumbing & Heating and then eventually going to work for Cairns Homes for 16 years installing furnaces and employing several of his nephews as helpers. After Cairns Homes he begin to work industrial jobs throughout Canada as a pipe fitter and became a proud member of the UA local 179, retiring for the last time at the age of 75 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Those that knew him would agree he was proud, responsible, fun loving, charming, impulsive, stubborn and not afraid to speak freely; some of these traits were not always to his advantage. But he did love his family fiercely, they were first place in his life even when things weren’t going well with him.

Dieter was an active member of the AA community; the meetings changed his life, and he tried to help those he could with his stories and experiences. After sobriety he built the cottage, a refuge for him, a place to get away from life’s pressures, enjoying many years of campfires, boating and being in the quietness of nature and surroundings.

Over the years he built several houses, a few garages and repairs to the cottage as well as helping with renovations and repairs for friends and family.

He loved to travel, from road trips to overseas vacations, visiting many places over the years - Europe, Mexico, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Disney Land, Disney World, bus tours to Nashville, Deadwood, Maritimes, Texas and cruises to the Caribbean, Panama, and Alaska. The last big adventure was a River Boat Cruise down the Danube in Europe in 2019. He would often go out of his way anywhere to connect with someone who was speaking German.

He was proud to be Canadian, loved the Toronto Maple Leaf’s, country music, dancing, cribbage, Christmas, hanging out and fishing at his daughter’s summer place in Buffalo Narrows and game shows, especially The Price is Right. He was lucky enough to be a contestant just before his 75th birthday.

Dieter was the last remaining member of his siblings and was ready to go home to them. Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters Kim, Tina, Leah and their families; several nephews and nieces; his sweetheart Charlotte; and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice or throw an extra donation in the collection basket. Pay it forward, whatever you can afford, even a kindness or a smile for your neighbour or someone on the street.

A Celebration of Dieter’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025 at Christ Lutheran Church, 4825 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK, with Pastor Dennis Hendricksen officiating. This event will be live streamed by Christ Lutheran Church; link can be found at www.clcregina.ca