Arthur John Dietrick's Obituary
Dr. Arthur John Dietrick, DDS, 96, formerly residing in Santa Ana, California, passed away on May 17, 2015, in Leesburg, Virginia.
Dr. Dietrick, known as John, was born on July 29, 1918, in Harding County, South Dakota but he spent most of his childhood in Litchfield, Illinois. He was the son of the late Arthur Dietrich and the late Hazel Hirsch Dietrich, and the husband of the late Gene Bowers Dietrick, who predeceased him in 2003.
John graduated in 1943 from St. Louis University in Missouri where he earned a doctorate in dental science. That degree qualified him for service as an officer in the U.S. Army. During World War II, he was assigned to the China-Burma-India Theater where he earned the rank of Captain. From 1944 to 1946, he assisted in establishing multiple military hospitals in China at the same time that he attended to the medical and dental needs of our soldiers.
In 1954, he moved from St. Louis, Missouri to Southern California and began his dental practice, first in Inglewood and then in Anaheim. He was in practice for more than 45 years before retiring in 2000. His professional affiliations included Omicron Kappa Upsilon honorary Dental Society and the American Dental Society. He was an active member of the Orange County Dental Association, and he served on the Board of Directors for Martin Luther Hospital in Anaheim.
Dr. Dietrick’s other affiliations include being a member of the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee, the World War II Veterans Committee, and being a charter member of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Two of Dr. Dietrick’s greatest passions were his profession and providing service to others. He was unstinting in his care for his patients, the charitable organizations he supported, and his friends and family.
John is survived by three sons, two daughters, and seven grandchildren. His family was fortunate to have him as long as they did, and they will cherish his memory.
Graveside services and internment were at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2015, at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be sent to the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee, P.O. Box 7519, Redlands, CA 92375.
Local arrangements by Loudoun Funeral Chapel, Leesburg, VA.
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