Roll Call Tribute

Ralph Otto Dietert 

February 24, 1924 - June 13, 2024 

Ralph Otto Dietert was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 13, 2024 at the age of 100. Ralph was a loving son, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was devoted to family, faith, career and service.

Ralph was born in San Antonio, Texas on February 24,1924 to Reuben and Ruby Dietert. He graduated from Brackenridge High School in 1941 and then attended Texas A&M University at College Station as a member of the Corp of Cadets. While at Texas A&M he was called into duty. Lieutenant Dietert served in the U.S. Army in both WWII and the Korean war. After his military service, Ralph returned home to work in the family floral and greenhouse business from 1946 until his retirement in 1991.

It was in San Antonio that he met and married the love of his life, Beverly Reynolds. They shared three children, Rodney, Denise, and Chris, and led an active family life involving church, school activities, boy & girl scouts, sports events, music & dance lessons, and the occasional road trip or vacation on the Texas coast.

Ralph was a founding member of Highland Terrace United Methodist Church in San Antonio where he served on several boards and committees, and later joined the Bulverde Methodist Church. He served his community as a Member of the City of San Antonio Planning & Zoning Commission, the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, and the Bexar County Hospital Board of Managers. He was also a longtime member and President of the Highlands Rotary Club, coached Pony League, and volunteered on numerous other community events and endeavors.

Ralph was an Eagle Scout, served as a Scoutmaster for 12 years and attended several national Jamborees, was Chairman of the Boy Scout Eagle Board of Review, and received both the Silver Beaver Award and the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award for his outstanding service and contributions. As a third generation member of the Masonic Lodge of Texas, Ralph was a 78-year member of Alamo Lodge #44, and a member of Canyon Lake Lodge #1425.

Throughout his lifetime, Ralph was an avid woodworker. He produced a variety of hand carvings, woodturnings, and furniture, often gifting these works of love to family and friends. As children left home, Ralph and Beverly enjoyed cruising the world, making new friends and memories. In recent years Ralph continued to enjoy family gatherings, gardening, attending concerts, woodcarving and ping pong at the local Activity Center, and the fellowship of his church and Masonic families.

Ralph was preceded in Heaven by his wife of 62 years, Beverly. He is survived by three children and their spouses, Rodney & wife Janice, Denise & husband Don, and Chris & wife Debby; four grandsons, Grant & wife Kristen, Matthew & wife Amy, Christian & wife Allie, and Tyler & wife Tania; eight great grandchildren, Katelyn, Grant Jr., Karen, Gavin, Chelsea, Mia, Paige, and Luca; and extended family Royale & husband Dale, Allison & husband Mike and their children.