Elroy Leon Dietz, 91, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Sunday, September 8, 2019 at the Via Christi Village in Hays, Kansas.

Elroy was born July 25, 1928 on the family farm southwest of Russell, Kansas.  He was one of three children born to Henry L. and Magdalena “Lena” (Templing) Dietz.  He grew up and attended schools in Russell County and graduated from Russell High School in the Class of 1946.

Elroy was united in marriage to LoRee Glendora Popp on September 10, 1950 in the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell.  This union was blessed with three children; Melinda, Martin and Richard.  They made their home on the family farm.  LoRee preceded him in death on March 3, 2019.

Elroy was a Rancher and Farmer his whole life.  During the 1970’s, he also sold insurance for Farmers Stockman Insurance Company.  In 1977, Elroy with LaVerne and Marvin Becker started the Dietz- Diamond B Club Calf Sale. Then in 1980, Elroy took over the business and was called the Dietz Club Calf Sale, which has been active for over 43 years.   He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church.  He was also a member of Farm Bureau.  In 1967 he was the recipient of the Kansas Bankers Award.  He enjoyed fishing, attending cattle shows and taking care of his cattle.  His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren and many friends.

Elroy’s surviving family include his daughter, Melinda Olson (Robert) of Russell, Kansas; son, Martin Dietz (Linda) of Russell, Kansas; brother, Harlan Dietz of Hays, Kansas; sister, Mary Oppenheimer (Stan) of Shreveport, Louisiana; four grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

Elroy was preceded in death by his parents, wife LoRee, and son Richard Dietz.

Celebration of Elroy’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 12, 2019 at the St. John Lutheran Church.  A private family burial of ashes will follow at a later time.  The family will be present to greet friends from 10:00 AM to Service Time at the church on Thursday.  Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church or Russell Regional Hospital.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.