Lawrence Dietrich

Lawrence Arnold Dietrich, age 89, long-time resident of Roblin, Manitoba passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018. He was born on January 11, 1929 in McNutt, SK, twin brother to Roland and one of 10 children to Phillip and Margaret (Metz) Dietrich.

In 1938, the Dietrich family moved to Grandview, MB where Lawrence grew up on the family farm. He began work for the Co-op Pool Elevators in Bield, MB.

He worked for 27 years becoming the proud manager of Roblin Pool Elevator No. 1 and completing his career as District Manager.

Lawrence met his loving wife Wilene who worked at the Stanley Cafe and they married in 1949. Together they raised four children Dean, Larry, Brenda and Brent. They were happily married for 39 years until Wilene passed away suddenly in 1988.

Lawrence’s personal interests involved the love of playing the banjo and other instruments, curling, coaching baseball, camping and his love for meeting people by attending the local coffee shops on a daily basis.

Lawrence was a very hard worker, wanting to provide the best life for his family. He was an entrepreneur and local business leader becoming a television and electronics technician, opening his own business in the early 70’s as Dietrich and Sons, then becoming Shamrock Television Services Ltd. and expanding in the 80’s to become the Radio Shack store in Roblin. It was also known as the local music store where Lawrence was able to show his interest in musical instruments by selling banjos, guitars and other musical instruments. He loved to play the banjo, guitar and mandolin. The business operated for 29 years. Lawrence never really fully retired, as he continued to work for Larry and Kim helping to assemble satellite dishes until he was 86.

Lawrence was a very active community member involved with the Elks Lodge #396 in Roblin for a number of years in the 60's, reaching the title of Exalted Ruler and District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler. He was very involved as a member on the school board. Lawrence was greatly involved in local politics serving 22 years on Town Council from 1980-2002. He was very active on the Veterinary and Arena Boards, and proud to play an active role in the project “Jewel of the Parkland”. Lawrence was the Mayor of Roblin 1989-1992.

Lawrence was preceded in death by: his loving wife Wilene (Rody) Dietrich; his devoted son Larry Dietrich; daughter-in-law Sandi Kendall (Brent); parents Phillip and Margaret Dietrich; his brothers Otto, Roland, Ronald and Herb; and his sister Sarah (Green).

Lawrence is survived by: his sons Dean (Marilyn) of Neepawa, MB and Brent (Sherry) of Bienfeit, SK; his daughter Brenda of Bucerias, Mexico; his daughter-in-law Kim (Larry); his 6 spectacular grandchildren Travis (Erin), Tanner (Amber), Phillip, Nathan, Zack (Kassidy) and Danielle (Liam); his 2 beautiful great-grandchildren Daylen and Finley; his brothers Edgar and Reuben; his sister  Esther (Fiesler), along with his many loving nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives.

The funeral service was held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 10:00 AM from Roblin Knox United Church, with Rev. Dr. Jenny Sprong officiating, and Brian and Gail Cords delivering the eulogy. Following the service and video tribute, family and friends gathered in the church hall for a luncheon and a time of visiting and sharing remembrances. If friends so desire, memorial donations in memory of Lawrence Dietrich may be made  to the Roblin District Community Foundation, Box 1599   Roblin, MB R0L 1P0

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