Roger Dietrich

Our beloved, Roger Frank Dietrich (aka “Rodger Dodger” and “Ducky”), passed away on December 5, 2022, at his home in Prairieville, LA, with his wife (Kathie Dietrich), his children (Fred Dietrich and Margaret Pearce), and his brother (Brent Dietrich) by his side.  He was 2 days shy of 83.

Roger was born in Napoleon, OH on December 7, 1939, to the late Mabel Busselman and Harold Dietrich.  Roger and his 3 brothers (Brent Dietrich, Lee Dietrich, and the late Lynn Dietrich) gave their mother a run for her money with their constant mischief and shenanigans.

Roger graduated high school from Napoleon High in 1958.  Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force and traveled to San Antonio, Texas for basic training and Biloxi, Mississippi’s Keesler Air Force Base to train in electronics.

In the early 60’s Roger was assigned as a ground radar communication technician and radar equipment repairman where he spent 2 years in Japan and 1.5 years in Africa.  His last assignment was at the Cape Kennedy missile range.

After honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1966, Roger decided he liked the southern life and took a job in computers with Univac in Slidell, Louisiana.  He then moved to Baton Rouge in the summer of 1968.

Roger was set up on a blind date to a Christmas party with Kathleen “Kathie” Dietrich where they fell head over heels in love with each other.  Roger and Kathie were married 6 months later on June 21, 1969, at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge.  Over the past 53 years, Roger and Kathie have built a great life together with their children, Frederick and Margaret.

Roger Dietrich was an entrepreneur owning several companies and developing multiple software systems in the Retirement and Financial Industries.  Those that knew Roger, cannot deny Roger’s passion for his work as a computer software engineer.  Often times, Kathie would joke that he would be buried with his computer because he was always sitting in front of it coding and designing.

When not glued to his laptop, Roger enjoyed bowling on 2 leagues, spending time playing craps at the casino with his wife, and attending church on Sundays.  Roger was the master of parking a travel trailer into the tightest of spots during the many camping trips with his wife and children.  He loved the thrill of zip lining and was always game for a cruise with friends and family.

To know Roger is to love Roger.  He loved his family immensely.  He worked tirelessly to provide a great life for his wife and children.  He adored his wife dearly and was extremely proud of his 2 children and 5 grandchildren.

Roger was not afraid to speak his mind and his delivery was not always the best.  For those able to sift through his sarcasm and grit were blessed to see his true wit and humor.  Roger was a generous man, a sweet and humble soul, and will truly be missed.

Roger Dietrich is survived by his wife, Kathie Dietrich; his 2 children: Frederick Dietrich (wife Pauline Dietrich and children Megan, Preston and Christopher) and Margaret Pearce (husband Brian Pearce and children Bryce and Brianne); his special family: Judeth Brooks (husband John Brooks and children Kelsey, Brianna and Mitchel); as well as his brothers Brent and Lee Dietrich and some extended family.

Kathie and family would like to thank Roger’s physician team for providing loving care:  Dr. David Hanson, Dr. Pedro Oliveira, Dr. Tim Johnson, Dr. Charles Dedeaux; his amazing hospice nurse, Candace Caldwell with Hospice of Baton Rouge; his caretaker, Markell Travis with Pennacle Home Care; and Roger’s favorite cheerleader, Sonjie LeBlanc Willis with the Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area and Charlie’s Place.

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, on December 9 at 5:00-8:00pm and December 10 at 12:00-1:00pm.  Services will be following at 1:00pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, an organization both Roger and Kathie Dietrich felt strongly about.