Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Michael D. Dietz, 74, of Elk Run Heights, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center-Waterloo.
Michael was born on December 3, 1951, in Decorah, IA, to Dale I. and Jean L. (Marcy) Dietz. He graduated from Decorah High School in 1970 and went on to attend technical school. Mike married Pamela Spencer in February 1971; they later divorced. Mike later married Rosalind J. Rowsell on June 18,1994, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Waterloo.
Mike spent his career in transportation as a truck driver. Mike was a train collector, loved all animals, especially watching hummingbirds in the yard, rooting on the Vikings, and taking care of his fish. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who deeply loved his family. His infectious laugh will be missed and fondly remembered.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Charles and Clifford Johnson, sister, Beverly Hanson, and nephew, Kippy Johnson.
Mike is survived by his wife, Rosalind of Elk Run Heights; daughters, Mary (Gene) Weigert of Cresco, IA, Cindy Dietz of Castalia, IA, and Sarah (Jeremy) Cook of Riverside, OH; stepsons, Derrick (Kellie) Patterson of Keystone and TJ (Janet) Patterson of Waterloo; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; 23 step-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephew, and cousins.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to Americans for Independent Living (AFIL).
Burial to take place in Summer 2026 at Garden of Memories-Waterloo.
Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.
Size: Good
Service of: Michael Dietz
Card Sentiment: Grandpa had a special gift for storytelling, sharing wisdom and laughter in every word. His warmth made everyone feel loved. He will live on in our hearts and in the stories we continue to tell.
From: Benjamin, Madison, and Wyatt Minnig
Special Requests: Hello,
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to ask if it would be possible to ensure that a plant I am sending is given to Sarah Cook, the daughter of the deceased.
My husband and I are both in the Army, and unfortunately I was unable to attend my grandfather’s funeral. It would mean a great deal to me if my mom could receive this plant and bring it home with her.
If you have any questions or need anything further, please feel free to reach out to me at 720-209-9580.
Thank you so much for your help and understanding.
Mike was my dad’s best friend since childhood and I use to ride my bike and walk down the alley behind our house to his work to visit him. He will be greatly missed and loved forever in my heart for the joy he brought in our lives. I would spend lots of time with his daughters growing up when we would go visit grandma. Love to all his children and Rosalind.
Mike will be truly missed! Im going to miss joking and laughing with him the most. He always knew how to make me smile. Its definitely not the same going to visit my grandma without him there he always made our family events a little more interesting. (He knows what I mean). He was so proud of all the obstacles I overcame and always pushed me to be the best version of myself never judged me or put me down. He was the best grandpa I knew i dont like the step word we were family doesn’t matter to me if it was blood or marriage that made us family.
We are very saddened to hear about Mike. We will miss his great smile and jokes. Condolances to my sister Rosiland and her family as well as the whole Dietz family. He was one of a kind and will be missed by all his friends. Rest in Peace Mike.
We were saddened and so shocked at the sudden passing of Mike xxx You will always hold a special place in our hearts going to miss your trips here to Canada 🇨🇦 You so loved our home cooked meals especially our Jiggs dinners xxx Rest in Peace ,Mike til we all meet again ❤️
“Through the videos Mike took at family gatherings, he gave an irreplaceable gift—the ability to see, hear, and feel close to loved ones who are gone. For some, those moments made it possible to know a father they never had the chance to know otherwise. His thoughtfulness will always be deeply cherished.” Thank you for that. My condolences to my Aunt Rosilind and the family, uncle Mike will truly missed.
I was so very sorry to hear the sad news of uncle Mike’s passing . The suddenness is such a difficult ordeal for the family . I’m glad I got to know Uncle Mike at our family get togethers in Canada . Such a hard working man , but loved a good laugh. I send my love and condolences to Aunt Rosalind and all the family , who will miss him so much . Rest in Peace Uncle Mike , God Bless you .