Jerry

Gerald “Jerry” Edward Dietz (Talking Bear, Pap, Pappy), 85, of Loganville went to heaven with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 9, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Judith Ann (Gable) Dietz with whom he celebrated over 63 years of marriage.

Jerry was born on February 4, 1938, in Hellam, PA. He was the son of the late Nelson E. Dietz, and Bernice R. (Rudisill) Dietz.

Jerry went to Rudy’s One Room School House, Hellam High School, and graduated from Eastern High School in 1956. He graduated with his Associates Degree from York Junior College in 1958, with his Bachelor's Degree from Millersville State College in 1961, and with his Master’s Degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, in 1966. Jerry retired from York Suburban High School after 33 years of service as a teacher. He taught Earth and Space Science and Oceanography. Jerry also proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.

Jerry was a founding member of Aldersgate Church, where he volunteered in numerous ministries over the years, including one of his passions, Bell Shelter. He was a volunteer naturalist at Nixon Park and Native American Seneca Animal Storyteller. He was honored for volunteering for over 1500 hours at Nixon Park. He embraced his Native American culture and sang and danced with Shoshone Indian Dancers and was adopted by and sang and danced with his Haliwa Saponi brothers and sisters. He also enjoyed many hobbies including: oil painting, hunting, fishing, RC airplanes, horses, bird watching, model railroading, muzzleloader shooting, and was a reenactor with the Brigade of the American Revolution. He enjoyed working at Eastern and Central Markets and was known as the “Market Man.”

In addition to his loving wife, Judy, Jerry is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-law Wendy Snyder (Greg Towson), Mary Lynn Hoffman (Kevin), and Heidi Beck (Thomas). His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joys of his life. He went to every single game, match, choral, band, or orchestra concert, and every other event under the sun to support them. It did not matter how far he had to drive – Florida, South Carolina, and so many more places. His grandchildren are Megan Thoman (Dan), Erin DeBoer (Jacob), Adam Snyder (Samantha), Andrea Lester (JJ), Gretchen Warehime (Ryan), Jacob Beck (Chelsea), Nicholas Hoffman (Somer), Allison Hoffman (Harper). His great grandchildren are Sophia, Evelyn, and Dylan Thoman; Penelope Snyder; Cecilia, Piet, and Kamden DeBoer; Eliana, Riley, and Aria Lester; Hadley Hoffman; Luke Warehime; and Natalie and Emily Beck. Jerry is survived by his brother Stanley Dietz (Donna) in Montana. He is also survived by wonderful extended family, friends, and church family.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his infant sister, Beverly Dietz, his brother, Ronald Dietz, and his son-in-law, Jeff Snyder.

We invite you to join us for a celebration of life service on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 6:30 PM at Aldersgate Church, 397 Tyler Run Road, York, PA 17403. There will be a fellowship time immediately following the service where we will enjoy Pappy’s favorite sweet and salty snacks. To honor Pappy’s memory, please wear red and black buffalo plaid check flannel and jeans (or any color of flannel shirt). He would want you to be comfortable!

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Aldersgate Church – please note on the memo line either Bell Shelter or Pappus House (397 Tyler Run Road, York, PA 17403) or Richard M. Nixon County Park (5922 Nixon Drive, York, PA 17403).