Dennis John Dietrich

Dennis John Dietrich, age 70, of Sanford, died September 15, 2025 at MyMichigan Health. He was born to the late John and Dorothy (LaBuda) Dietrich on October 17, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan.

Dennis attended Guardian Angels in Clawson, MI and graduated with the Class of 1972 from Kimball High School in Royal Oak, MI. He earned a bachelors degree from the Detroit College of Business, and continued his education at Central Michigan University. His passion for learning and his strong Catholic faith led him to continue studying at the Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. Dennis worked at Pontiac Motors, Truck and Coach, and the Tech Center for 47 years from 1973-2020.

Dennis had a passion for U of M football, the Detroit Lions, and the Detroit Tigers. He spent many summer days on the golf course with his lifelong friend, Monte Mariani, who he had known since they were 5 years old. Dennis loved coaching alongside his father at Memorial Park in Royal Oak during the early 1980's and shared a passion for old movies with both his daughter Annmarie and other family members.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 27 years, Judy (Kumjian) Dietrich; children, Annmarie (Levi R) Swanson, Matthew (Kelley) Hikade, Andrew Hikade, and Holly (Patrick) Pennoni; grandchildren, Sisilia, Levi J, Jack, Kayla, Molly, Abby, Cody, Jake, Chloe, and Taylor; 2 great grandchildren; siblings, Michael Dietrich, Rodney Knapp, Denise (Tim) Browning, Melanie Dietrich, and numerous nieces and cousins. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Alec.

A Memorial Service will take place on October 1, 2025, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 2500 N. West River Rd, Sanford, MI 48657 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service with a luncheon to follow at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.