The first-born son of Lorraine Sylvia Jacyno Dieterle and Walter John Dieterle, Kurt Michael Dieterle was born in Detroit Michigan on April 21, 1948. He died on February 8, 2025 in Greensboro, Georgia after living with cancer and Alzheimer’s disease for numerous years.
Kurt grew up in Harper Woods, Michigan. Throughout his high school years, he excelled at baseball, football and basketball. He attended college at the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1970. Following his graduation, Kurt joined the United States Marine Corps where he served his country with dignity and honor for 21 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1991. He was a tank officer and was deployed to Vietnam aboard ship. His career deployments included Camp Lejeune (Jackson, North Carolina), Marine Corps Air Station Futenma (Okinawa, Japan); Marine Base Quantico (Virginia), Headquarters Marine Corps (Washington, DC); U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, Maryland) and Defense Systems Management College (Washinton, DC).
Kurt met the love of his life, Carol Anne Wiggins, in 1986 while each was working at Headquarters Marine Corps. Although Kurt slept through most of Carol’s meetings, she still loved him. They were married in 1989 and settled in Vienna, Virginia. After retirement from the Marine Corps in 1991, Kurt worked as a consultant supporting the United States Coast Guard. Their son, Matthew Michael Dieterle, was born in 1998. Kurt became a dedicated stay-at-home dad until Matthew began kindergarten at St. Mark School. Because Carol insisted that Kurt needed something to do each day, Kurt began working as a kindergarten aid along with Matthew in 2003. As Matthew advanced, Kurt did also. Kurt loved his time in the classroom and derived immense joy from helping his students grasp difficult math concepts as well as spiritual maturity. His students appreciated his patience and gentle nature, as well as his skill as an educator. Kurt retired from teaching in 2013.
During their retirement years, Kurt and Carol enjoyed spending time together at their beach home on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, where they formed deep friendships and enjoyed the beauty and tranquility of the Eastern Shore. They enjoyed hanging out with Matt as well as visiting Carol’s family in Georgia and Kurt’s family in Michigan and Connecticut.
Kurt loved St. Mark Catholic Church and was a joyful and faithful volunteer in the parish for many years teaching religious education, helping to raise funds for the school, delivering furniture to West Virginia and serving on the Pastoral Council. He also supported the Lamb Center, delivering donations from the local grocery store to the center each week.
Kurt influenced many young minds throughout his multiple careers and life. His integrity, faith and commitment to God and country were clear to all who knew him. He had a gentle spirit and a generous heart of gold and a smile and a kind word for everyone he met. He was also an amazing artist – glass and wood were his media of choice for creating beautiful stained-glass pieces as well as amazing carvings of birds and fish. He was never happier than being in the basement creating something beautiful to share with friends and family.
Throughout his illnesses, Kurt demonstrated his deep faith, trusting in God’s will to the end. He carried his cross with grace and dignity, never complaining or questioning the path.
Kurt is survived by his loving wife, Carol and his son, Matthew, as well as brother-in-law Robert Wiggins (Donna), sister-in-law Cheryl Wiggins Brooks (Mike). He is remembered by nephews Jeff Dieterle, Brian Dieterle (Dana), and Joel Wiggins (Lucy) and nieces Heather Brooks and Mary Wiggins Hof (Matthew). Kurt’s brother – Mark Jeffrey Dieterle (Lynette) – predeceased Kurt by two days. Both suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Kurt’s parents Lorraine and Walter, as well as nephew Marshal Brooks are also deceased.
Kurt’s celebration of life will be held at St. Mark Church in Vienna, Virginia at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Mark Catholic Church, The Lamb Center or any charity of your choice. McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.
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Updated:16 February 2025
Curator: Ed Moore