Donald Lee Dietz

Feb 12, 1936 -

Feb 21, 2020

Don, age 84, passed away encircled by his loving family at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, after a nearly three-year valiant battle fighting cholangiocarcinoma.

Don is survived by his adoring wife of 60 years, Berta Lou; son, Drew; daughters, Leslie and Dana and her husband Arne Handeland; grandsons, Jonah Van Gieson, Donald Kai and Erik Handeland; and granddaughter, Diana Handeland.

Survivors include his sister, Jeanne Shipman; sister-in-law, Barbara Lee Coady; nephews, Layne Coady, Lee Shipman and wife Ruth and Scott Shipman and wife Chris; and niece, Diana (Deedee) Coomer; grand and great-grandnieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Marie and Emil Dietz; his aunt, Anna Dietz Cusack; and brothers-in-law, Gene Shipman and Donald Coady.

Don's military service spanned 25 years serving in the United States Navy as a Naval Aviator supporting missions with VX-6, Operation Deep Freeze in the Antarctic, Commanding Officer of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron VAQ-136 aboard the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk, and shore assignments as Navy Intelligence staff, Electronic Warfare Officer of Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor and retiring as Commander, Naval Liaison Officer with Elmendorf Air Force Base in 1983. Tours of duty included Ewa Beach, Hawaii; Quonset Point R.I.; NAS Glynco Ga.; and NAS Ault Field Whidbey Island, Wash.

Post-military retirement, he held esteemed positions with Military and Veterans Affairs, the Anchorage Telephone Utility, Anchorage Municipal Street Maintenance, and successful Director of the Port of Anchorage for nine years.

Don is a member of Central Lutheran Church and previous member of Anchorage Lutheran Church where he was dedicated in doing God's work assisting with projects and serving on the Church councils.

Don had an adventurous spirit and love for fishing and snowmachining. He was well known to spend considerable time with his close fishing buddies at Kenai's Riverbend Campground. Fred, Sandi, his grandson Jonah and many others who share his passion made sure this past summer was successful for his final season. He and close friends made memorable annual snowmachine trips including the Trek Over the Top with Gordy and Bill, and many trips to Eureka with Kathryn and Herbert.

The family would like to thank Katmai Oncology's Dr. Kim, the infusion services staff, Don's special caring nurse Yvonne and the Palliative Care Team at Providence Hospital.

To all who knew and loved him, Don thanks you. He was more than an adventurer; he was the adventure!