Chesterton resident Wayne R. Dietz, 83, died at his residence on Sunday, March 23, 2008.

He was born in Minnesota on March 15, 1925, to Wayne F. and Marion W. (Wheeler) Dietz, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his sons, Terry Dietz of Chesterton and Tim Dietz of Michigan City; a daughter, Kerry Smiertelny of Michigan City; four grandchildren, Amy Dietz-Focosi, Sean Dietz, Danielle Smiertelny, and Allison Smiertelny; and two great-grandchildren, Alexander Focosi and Ryan Dietz.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Dietz, in 2001; and a sister, Dorothy “Dee Dee” Hamilton, in 2007.

Dietz was the co-founder of Able Disposal, a member of Porter American Legion Post 503, and served in the U.S. Army in the European theater during World War II.

Visitation is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway in Chesterton. Funeral services and internment will be private.

Posted 3/26/2008