The Sterling Gazette, Sterling, Illinois

January 26, 1926 - Tuesday, page 5

WILLIAM  L.  DIETZ

Funeral of Wm. Diets at Tampico, Prominent Resident Laid to Rest On Sunday - Many Floral Tributes

Tampico, Ill., Jan. 25 - (Special) -  The funeral of William Diets was held at the Christian Church on Sunday afternoon, the pastor Rev. F. W. Kerns, having charge of the service. Several duets were sung by Mrs. Bessie Yarde and Mrs. Maude Morrell.  One number was Mr. Dietz's favorite hymn, "Lead Me Gently Home," and those knowing of his beautiful life felt it was most appropriate.  The many beautiful floral offerings were a living testimony of the love and esteem in which he was held in the community.  The pallbearers were all nephews of the deceased.

The funeral was largely attended; friends and relatives from all the neighboring towns as well as a host of relatives and friends at home being present to pay their last tribute to his memory.  Interment was in the Tampico Cemetery.

Obituary:

W. L. Dietz, son of Michael and Helen McNaughton Diets, was born in Fairfield, Ill., Sept. 19, 1866, and died at a Dixon hospital Jan. 20, 1926, at the age of 59 years, 4 months and one day.  He was united in marriage to Flora McCracken February 18, 1891. To this union was born one son, Lloyd Edwin, who with his mother, mourns his departure, also four sisters, Mrs. Ida Clifton of Rock Falls, Ill., Mrs. Mary Hilliard, Princeton, Ill., Mrs. Jennie Wright and Mrs. Cora Bard, New Bedford, Ill., besides a host of other relatives and friends.  His father and mother, one sister, Mrs. Effie McClellan, and two brothers, George and Ed., preceded him in death.  A sad feature was the passing away of three brothers during the last two years.  "Will," as he was familiarly called, was of a quiet, unassuming nature, being a kind, loving, devoted husband and father.  He was a man of fine character and was always honest and upright in all his dealings.  He united with the Yorktown Christian Church in 1894.  He was a faithful member of the choir and possessed an unusual rich bass voice.  One of his espeical favorite songs was "Lead Me Gently Home."  After moving to Tampico he became a member of the Tampico Christian Church.  He was firm in the faith and lived a true consecrated life.  

He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America of Tampico.