Dixie L. Deitchler, 90, of Glenwood, Iowa died at 3:24 a.m., Saturday, December 12, 2020, at Cottage 247, Glen Haven Village in Glenwood, Iowa from medical complications after contracting COVID-19.
Born March 3, 1930, in Arcadia, Nebraska, she was the daughter of Guy and Ruth (Jenkins) Skinner. On November 24, 1950, she married Lee H. Deitchler in Glenwood, Iowa. They spent 22 wonderful years together, when he passed away on October 1, 1973 after a heroic battle with melanoma.
Dixie was beloved by many people, both family and friends to whom she would often write heartfelt letters of encouragement and insight. Her gift for writing didn’t stop at letter writing, being also displayed by the multiple poems and prose that were published in Cappers Weekly along with other local publications. Dixie’s love of family was demonstrated numerous times as she spent months at a time living with different out of state children to help them at times of need. She was also known for her fun-loving mischief which was always hinted at by a sparkle in her eyes. Her family and faith were the most important things to her.
Survivors include her first daughter, DeEtte A. (Howard) Smith of Woodbine, MD, their children Sarah (Steve) Doerrer and great granddaughter Abigail of Ellicott City, MD, Emily (Chris) Nicoli and great grandson Logan of Smithsburg, MD and Molly Smith of Woodbine, Maryland; second daughter Deanna L. (Michael) Malament of Charlotte, N.C., their children Jared Malament of Nashville, TN and Julie Malament of Charlotte, N.C. and second son Dale L. (Mary) Deitchler of Mendota Heights, MN and their children, Douglas F. Deitchler of Minneapolis, MN, Robert L. Deitchler of Brooklyn, NY, Madeline M. (Luke) Effertz, of Tampa Bay, FL, William J. Deitchler of Mendota Heights, MN and Mary E. Deitchler of Fargo, ND.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Alonzo Skinner, Don Skinner, and Gerald Skinner; three sisters Dodie Oleson, Betty Dyke and Helen Reafling and her son Douglas L. Deitchler.
A small private graveside service and burial will be in East Liberty Cemetery in Malvern, Iowa, with a full Memorial Service to take place later in 2021.
A special thanks to the staffs of Linnwood Estates and Glen Haven Village, and her friends, Jacque Butts, Denny and Donna Newman and Michelle Sargent who lovingly cared for her.
8 Condolences
Dixie and my mom, June, were good friends over the years. I was fortunate that Dixie and I became good friends as well especially after Mom passed away. She was a special lady with a generous heart.
Dixie was such a dear lady. My sympathy….Sarah
You will be dearly missed.It was a wonderful opportunity to take care of you an knowing what a wonderful woman you were! Fly high with the angels beautiful
Prayers of comfort for the family.
My deepest condolences ! You Mom was such a sweetheart, she will be deeply missed ❤️
My sympathy to the family – she was my favorite teacher at Elm Grove
Hi. No, I didn’t know Dixie, but sure wish I had. She looks like such a fun loving individual. Just looking at her picture makes me smile and know that she will be missed!
Dixie was a dear lady. I met her when I visited my folks at Linnwood and then at Glen Haven and she arrived every day (she walked from her home!!) to visit all the residents there. She brought them all great joy and laughter. I began offering her rides and we became friends. I enjoyed her so much and was sorry to lose touch with her when she moved from Glenwood and then we moved from Glenwood. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to reconnect when she returned to Glenwood but I will always treasure her and our friendship. Rest in peace my friend.
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