George J. Dietz, 88, lifelong resident of Owatonna, died Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at Homestead Hospice House. George J. Dietz, son of Walter and Frances (Orlowske) Dietz, was born June 1, 1921 in Owatonna Township. He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1940 and helped on the family farm a few years before entering the United States Navy on May 24, 1945. He served on the USS Lowry in the South Pacific during WWII. Following his honorable discharge in August 1946, George returned to Owatonna. He was united in marriage to Myrth Boyum Olson on June 22, 1949, in Blooming Prairie. They lived in Owatonna and later moved to Medford. George, a heavy equipment operator, worked for Hage Brothers and later owned and operated Tri County Trench and Tiling with his son, Bud Olson. After selling the tiling business, George worked dragline on the Mississippi River. In 1981 he retired and returned to helping on the family farm. In 1997 George and Myrth moved to Southway Manor in Owatonna. Myrth died in December 1999. George enjoyed hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. He was born to be on wheels and enjoyed taking drives in the country. George also worked for local auto dealers by doing to auto auctions and delivering cars. He was a member and past president of the Medford Civic Group and served with the Medford Fire Department. He was a long-time member of the American Legion (64 years), the VFW, and a lifetime member of the Elks. He is survived by his daughter, Shirley Erickson of Owatonna; a brother, Donald Dietz, of Owatonna; a daughter-in-law, Diane Olson of Faribault; 10 grandchildren: Sue Erickson, Kris Erickson, Jeff (and Lisa) Erickson, Jon (and Shawn) Erickson, Sally (and Jeff Donahe) Colwell, Ross (and Rene) Olson, Amy (and Bill) Kenow, Ed (and Tammy) Olson, Molly (and Jeff) Schuster, Peggy (and Eric Sorenson) Olson; 24 great grandchildren; nephews and nieces: David (and Linda) Dietz, Diane (and Jack) Spitzack, LouEllen Dietz-Stoltz, Jack (and Mary) Mueller, David (and Mary) Mueller, Jerry (and Jean) Mueller, Patty (and Art) Raak, and Dan (and Diane) Mueller; and special friend Marie Krause. He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrth, his parents, Walter and Frances, his son, R. E. 'Bud' Olson, and a great granddaughter. Visitation will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday, October 29, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and also one hour prior to the service in the church. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 30, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Dave Klawiter officiating. Interment will be in the Owatonna Memorial Gardens in Owatonna. Military honors will be provided by Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Memorials are preferred to St. John Lutheran Church, Homestead Hospice House, or donor''s choice. Visitation: 10/29/2009 16:00 10/29/2009 20:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church. 10/30/2009 14:00