Gerald Veryl Dieter – February 11, 1936 – March 11, 2023
Gerald “Jerry” Veryl Dieter was born to Orval Walter Dieter and Edith Harriet Luke on February 11, 1936. He was born in Susanville, CA and lived his entire life in Lassen County attending Lassen High School as well as Lassen Junior College. He passed away at his home surrounded by family on March 11, 2023, after a brief bout with cancer.
Jerry joined the California Department of Forestry at the age of 17 as a wildland firefighter. He then went to work for the U.S. Forest Service and worked for the Eagle Lake Ranger District for 37 years. He worked on many wildland fires and supervised fire crews, eventually becoming a Professional Forester and licensed Silviculturist on the Eagle Lake Ranger District. He was well respected in his field and was a tremendous steward for the local natural resources.
He was an avid gardener and could grow and nurture anything he put his hand to. He also enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing with his family. He taught his children to appreciate and respect nature. He married the love of his life, Kathryn “Kay” Deal Dieter on May 7, 1960.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marilyn Theodorelos (Pete) and his brother Raymond Dieter (Jane). He is survived by his wife of 62 years- Kathryn, son LeRoy (Carla), daughter Karen, grandson Jesse, bonus daughter Miriam Kapphahn, and bonus grandchildren Tyler, Mariah, Jacob and Nicholas.
At Jerry’s request, no services will be held. The family requests that donations be made to the Lassen Sportsmen’s Junior Fishing Derby. Jerry and Kay spent many years volunteering and financially contributing to the fishing derby. Jerry was proud to be a part of this program, as it offered the opportunity for children of Lassen County to experience fishing, who may otherwise never have had the opportunity.
Dad, although we miss you terribly, our hearts are soothed and we are comforted knowing that you are once again climbing mountains and enjoying the amazing and beautiful scenery in heaven.
