Robert Leroy Dietrich

Robert Leroy Dietrich, age 83 of Waunakee died at Noel Manor in Verona early Monday morning, October 21, 2024.  He was born on December 17, 1940 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Jacob & Wanda (Kephart) Dietrich.  Bob grew up in Lincoln with his parents, and his sister Cheryl.  He grew to love music, learning piano and enjoying singing as a youth.  He also sang in the choir in school.  Bob was active in Boy scouts with his father as a scout leader.  In high school he became active in drama.  He was an avid model builder.  Bob also took care of his sister a lot.  He graduated from Lincoln North East Highschool in 1958.  After graduation he was in the Navy Reserves for a short time and lived in Omaha.  He also worked at a hospital.  In Omaha Bob met his partner, Bill McCoy, and moved to San Francisco, California.  He started working for the airlines, first as a gate supervisor for Air-Cal which became part of American Airlines.  He eventually became a ramp manager with American.  Bob's partner Bill died in 2004.  He retired from American Airlines around 2006.   He then worked at a friend's Italian restaurant where he was an assistant manager.  Bob lived in Portland, Oregon for a short time, and then he moved to Madison in 2010 to be closer to his sister, Cheryl.

Bob enjoyed retired life in Madison.  He was an avid world-wide traveler and has visited many countries throughout Europe.  He had a love for animals, including his dog Toby, and after Toby died he found a new love for his dog Cammi, whom was still living with him.  Bob also had a great love of flowers.  He was very artistic throughout his life, including doing stained glass and drawing.  Bob was a beautiful tenor, and sang at weddings.  He was a gifted pianist and owned several pianos.

Bob was survived by his sister, Cheryl Fredendall of Fitchburg; a niece Shannon (Chris) Grunewald of Mount Horeb; a nephew Brandon (Susan) Fredendall of Oregon, WI; three great nephews; a great niece; and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his partner Bill; his parents; and several aunts and uncles.

To honor Bob's memory the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice benefiting animals.  The family wishes to thank Dr. Thompson and his nurse Monica at the Dean Clinic in Waunakee, and the aides at Noel Manor in Verona.

A visitation for Bob will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from 3:30 to 4:30pm at the Gunderson Funeral Home Fitchburg location at 2950 Chapel Valley Rd.  A service will follow at 4:30pm.  Burial will be held at the Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 3:00pm.