Homer "Red" S. Dietz

On February 7, 2026, Homer “Red” S. Dietz, passed away peacefully at his home in Columbia, PA. He was 88 years old. Homer leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, community involvement, and hard-working ethics. Born on October 3, 1937 in Columbia, PA, he was one of three children born to Clinton and Lois (Newcomer) Dietz. In 1955, Homer graduated from Kutztown Area High School, and later attended Stevens Technical School for Masonry Construction, graduating in 1958. Soon after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and proudly served from 1959-1962. Following his service, Homer worked part time doing Masonry Construction for 20 years and full time for Lancaster School District for 34 years as a custodian, retiring in 2007. Homer married MaryAnn Musselman on October 1, 1966. As a man of great faith, Homer was a longtime member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. He loved singing in the church choir, but was often heard singing and humming outside of church, too. Homer was very involved with the Meals on Wheels program at church, and devoted many years helping those in need. Homer loved spending time on his back patio feeding and watching the neighborhood birds. He had a lifelong love of gardening, growing tomatoes, peppers, yams, snap peas, eggplant and red beets. He was especially known for making “the BEST” sauerkraut. Homer was a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins, and was often heard giving the players advice from his recliner at home. Together, Homer and MaryAnn supported their children and grandchildren’s sporting endeavors by attending countless soccer, softball, football and baseball games in rain or shine. One of his favorite family activities was playing a strategic game of Yahtzee. Homer is survived by his beloved spouse of 59 years, MaryAnn, and their 2 children: Jodi L. Johnson (Eric) of East Berlin, PA, and Carl "Duffy" Dietz (Brandy) of Colorado Springs, CO. His family brought him immeasurable happiness and he found great joy in being a grandparent to: Megan Peachey (Brandon), Samuel Johnson, Brianna Dietz, Madison Dietz, and Colton Dietz, as well as his two great-grandchildren: Eloise and Beckett Peachey. Homer also leaves behind his sister, Shirley Shimmel. He was preceded in death by his sister Audrey Sellers, and his brother Bruce Dietz. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Homer’s life at a memorial service being held on February 20, 2026, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church - 616 Locust St., Columbia, PA. Service is at 11 am. All are invited to a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, and to honor his spirit of service and love, Homer and his family have requested that all memorial contributions and donations be made to the Meals on Wheels program at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 391, Columbia, PA 17512.

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Homer "Red" S. Dietz

October 3, 1937 - February 7, 2026