Albert "Karl" Dieterich

Karl Dieterich was a very caring man who modeled a lifetime of hard work and sincere compassion for others. He was a loving and supportive father and grandfather and a cherished friend to many. Karl’s kindness and friendship will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The 1950s were known as the decade of the baby boomer and the modern American family. It was an exciting time indeed with the many talents of the professional baseball player, Mickey Mantle, the rock music icon, Elvis Presley, and movie heartthrob, James Dean. Proud parents, Albert and Virginia (Helsel) Dieterich Sr. welcomed home their newborn son, Albert Karl, on December 11, 1951, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was born the youngest of seven children. Karl was baptized in the Catholic faith. His father, Albert Sr. drove a truck for the Kent County Road Commission and his mother, Virginia was a talented seamstress who also worked as a local waitress. Since his father left when Albert was an infant, he and his siblings, William, Christine, Henry/Hank, Bill, John, and Shirley, were close-knit. They attended Comstock Park schools and managed to juggle their responsibilities with plenty of mischief in between! During his early adolescent years, he started work as a gas station attendant. Karl enjoyed woodshop during his time at Union High School and signed up with the ROTC program that later sparked his interest in serving in the military.

Months before the start of his senior year, he joined the United States Navy with his brother, John, after their brother, William was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. He was originally stationed at the base in San Diego. During his time in the service, Karl was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. His rank was a Petty Officer E-4, Damage Control Engineer, USS Newport LST-1179. After his honorable discharge from the service, he completed his GED and attended Grand Valley State College and Seidman School of Business. He graduated in 1981 and spent a large majority of his career in both construction and manufacturing businesses. Karl was extremely gifted with his hands leading him to become a successful carpenter and contractor in the area.

While he was stationed in the NATO base in Naples, Italy, Karl met Rina Sala. She was working as an elementary school teacher and was on vacation visiting her brother. One year later they were married on July 8, 1972, at the Basilica of S.S. Siro e Materno, in Desio (Milano) Italy. They honeymooned in Lake Como, Rome, and Genoa, Italy. Returning to the US, they settled near the North Atlantic Navy Base in Norfolk, Virginia. They welcomed home their daughter Alexandra in 1973. After the Navy, Karl moved his family to the west side of Grand Rapids. In 1977, their son James was born. As a family, they enjoyed time at their annual week-long trip to Hamlin Lake in Ludington. They also enjoyed camping trips to Muskegon’s PJ Hoffmaster State Park spending time soaking up the sun and playing in the water. Special highlights were the trips they took back to Italy to visit family.

As a father, Karl was a strong provider. He started out as a welder and then became a plant supervisor at Clark Equipment. Ambitious as well as skilled, he worked his way into several manager positions in production, engineering, and personnel with large office furniture manufacturers such as Haworth and Stow Davis. Equally dedicated to his family, Karl wanted nothing but the very best for his children and to celebrate their many successes. Karl was confirmed as a Catholic with his father-in-law Vittorio as his sponsor. He was a member of Holy Spirit Parish where he was an active usher. His marriage to Rina ended in divorce in 1991 just two years prior to the loss of their son, James, in a tragic auto accident. Devastated by the loss, Karl leaned on his many special friends and family to see him through. He shifted careers and worked with Carlson Remodeling owned by a neighbor and later became co-owner of Get It Done Renovations. Due to a construction accident, Karl eased up on his work responsibilities and returned to factory work, at Hutchinson this time, until he suffered a stroke in 2019.

When it came to special pastimes, Karl enjoyed a wide range of activities over the years. He was drawn to the music of the Beatles and loved classic Rock ‘N Roll from his younger days. He also loved to read spy books. Karl enjoyed playing golf, bowling, throwing darts, shooting pool, fishing; he even served as president of the ushers’ club at Holy Spirit Parish and volunteered at Junior Achievement. When it came to food, Karl had many favorite meals. He enjoyed ordering his favorite wet beef burritos from Adobe, pizza from Salvatores, and deep-fried chicken from the Hot Rod Cafe. Back at home, he would often fry up bacon and eggs, fix himself Hamburger Helper, or put a beef stew together in the Crock-Pot. Karl was a loving man and lived his life to the fullest. He was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need, whether it was his time, skills, or money. He faced many challenges throughout his life and overcame them through hard work and diligence. May his loved ones always feel his warm presence whenever they are gathered and may his memories be eternal.

Albert Karl Dieterich, age 70, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away at St. Mary's Hospital on February 4, 2022. Karl was born December 11, 1951, in Grand Rapids to the late Albert Dieterich, Sr. and Virginia Helsel. He was also preceded in death by his son, James William Dieterich. Karl was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. He loved to build, do carpentry, fish, and watch action movies. He is survived by his daughter, Alexandra (Thomas) O'Brien; three grandchildren, Matthew O'Brien, Emily O'Brien and Christopher O'Brien. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, February 10, 2022, at 11 AM at Holy Spirit Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10 AM. Memorials are encouraged to Veteran Organizations.