Kenneth G. Dieker

OCT 23, 1924 - JUL 20, 2010

Kenneth Gus Dieker passed away at Memorial Hospital in Modesto, CA on July 20th, 2010. He is survived by his wife Arlene Dieker, three children, Sandra, Kenneth and Kevin Dieker and their spouses Mike Saeler, Shari Dieker and Lisa Dieker, five grandchildren, Kelene Blevins, Kassandra Booth, Paige Dieker, KJ Dieker, Claire Dieker and two great-grandchildren, Lilli and Jessie Blevins.

Ken was born in Westphalia, KS to Lawrence and Catherine Dieker on October 23rd, 1924. He graduated from Tampa High School (KS) in 1941. He attended Wichita State University for a couple of years while working as an apprentice tool and die maker and enlisted in the USAF in 1943. Ken was trained as a Flight Engineer on a B26 and flew 45 missions over Europe including D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. He was decorated with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. After the war he enrolled at the University of Kansas and used the GI bill to finish his education. In 1949, while Ken was a junior at the University of Kansas, he met his future wife Arlene, a cheerleader and PE major. After a short courtship they were engaged. Ken graduated in 1950 with a Business Administration degree and Arlene graduated in June 1951 as a teacher. They were married 5 days later in Lawrence, KS and were married for 59 years. Ken put his business degree to work over the next 37 years at companies all over the United States and abroad. Because he was so skilled at making companies profitable, he was promoted frequently. He and Arlene moved the family several times because of these promotions. They lived in Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, California and Texas, and spent 18 months in Caracas, Venezuela. He eventually retired from Illinois Tool Works as an International Group President in 1988. Ken received a prestigious honor by being inducted into the Who's Who of Finance and Industry publication two times in the early 1980's. Many of Ken's business associates evolved into lifelong friendships and Ken was credited in part for the future business successes of these friends. Ken also belonged to many professional organizations, among them the Hydraulic Institute and the Bolted Tank Manufacturers Association and served as its President for years. He authored three books and several business guides and was partners in a consulting firm for several years. He was a member of the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs in several communities in the places they lived and belonged to the Knights of Columbus Catholic organization.

Ken had many hobbies over the years, among them hunting and bowling, but in the early 1970's he was introduced to golf and it became his lifelong love. He often laughed during the years that he worked to play golf. Looking for a place to retire and play golf, they found the golf community of Oakmont in Santa Rosa, CA. Ken and Arlene lived at Oakmont for 21 years. They remained very active and involved with activities at Oakmont. They played golf, tennis, attended 50 Elderhostel's and spent time with the children and grandchildren. Ken was quite the golfer and shot his age several times. Ken was President of the Oakmont Men's Golf Club and served on the board of the Oakmont Golf Club for several terms. He and Arlene were also active in the Star of the Valley Catholic Church. Ken was the treasurer of the Men's Club and chairman of the Finance Committee. In 2008, Ken and Arlene moved to Modesto, CA to be closer to the children.

Ken was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grand-father. He loved his family and was always available for them. He coached softball and soccer, taught us how to play golf, attended tap dance recitals and school functions, bicycled and was always ready for a new adventure. Throughout Ken's life, he encouraged and supported his wife and children and will be remembered forever with love and respect.

All are welcome to attend a memorial service in celebration of Ken's life on Saturday, July 31st, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA in the Heritage Chapel. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.

In-lieu of flowers and cards, feel free to make a donation in Ken's name to either: Catholic Charities, P.O. Box 17066, Baltimore, MD 21297 or the American Lung Association of California, 424 Pendleton Way, Oakland, Ca 94621.

Published in the Modesto Bee from July 28 to July 29, 2010