Ralph Dietrich

Cecil “Ralph” Dietrich, 96, of Galena, Illinois and formerly of South Bend, passed away Saturday, November 10, 2018.

Ralph was born March 4, 1922 in Erie County, Pennsylvania, a son of the late George and Ildrie (Russell) Dietrich. Over the years he lived in Fort Wayne, South Bend and Rome City and in recent years with his daughter and son-in-law in Galena.

On July 4, 1942, Ralph married Anne Carlino at Christ the King Catholic Church and she preceded him in death in 2003.

Ralph was employed at Wheelabrator-Frye Corporation in Mishawaka, retiring in 1983. He was a member of the Cathedral of St. Matthew in South Bend. He was a Boy Scout leader, loved traveling and playing cards. Ralph and Anne loved to go dancing on Saturday nights.

Ralph’s surviving family includes a son, Joseph (Elizabeth) Dietrich of Crawford, Colorado; a daughter, Mary (Larry) Blankenbaker of Galena, Illinois; a daughter-in-law, Cathy Dietrich of South Bend; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren with a ninth to be born in December.

Besides his wife, Ralph was also preceded in death by two sons, Mark and John Dietrich; and a brother, Russell Dietrich.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Friday, November 16, in the Cathedral of St. Matthew, 1701 Miami Street, South Bend. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Visitation will be at church from 10 – 11 am on Friday.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Dubuque, 1670 JFK Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52002.

Arrangements are under the care of Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, Mishawaka.