Obituary of Gordon Peter Dietrich

Gordon P. Dietrich, Mission, Texas, passed away in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, after a brief illness, on Dec. 3, 2022.  

Gordon was born July 19, 1929 in rural Glen Ullin, North Dakota, to Jochim and Clara Dietrich. After his father died in 1930, his family moved to Mandan, ND. Clara remarried (George Schleicher), and Gordon grew up – and had many adventures – with his five brothers (Eugene, Benjamin, Christ, Robert, Patrick) and one sister (Genevieve). If you grew up with Gordon, you might know him as “Corks.” All the Dietrich/Schleicher boys had nicknames. Gordon got his when he was a young kid and one of his brothers tossed him into the Heart River, and all the kids noticed that Gordon bobbed like a cork.  

Gordon married his high school sweetheart, Margaret, “Peggy” Owens, in 1957 and they raised two daughters. He was both a hard worker and lifelong learner. After graduating Mandan High School, Gordon, he went on to Bismarck State College, graduating in 1954 with a degree in Business Administration. He left his job at the Mandan Refinery to earn a BS degree in secondary education from Dickinson State University and master’s degrees in guidance-counseling and post-secondary education from North Dakota State University. Gordon was appointed to assistant dean of vocational education at Bismarck State College in the early 1980s, a position he held until he retired in 1991. Earlier in his career in education, Gordon served as a counselor and director of education at a youth correctional center near Mandan, and also led BSC’s Intensified Training Center for adults seeking workforce training. 

Gordon was a born athlete, playing varsity football for Mandan High School (including in 1947, when Mandan won the State Championship) and at Dickinson State. He was a scratch golfer (and the proud holder of a “Hole in One” Trophy) and won the State table-tennis championship in 1950. Gordon suffered a catastrophic on-the-job accident in his early ‘30s and was told he may never walk again. But he never let that stop him and built back his physical strength to continue to be active throughout his life. He taught himself to cross-country ski, picked up bicycling, and spent hours and hours everyday walking with his beloved dog, Molly. 

He was also committed to his country, his family and the community. Gordon served in the US Armed Services for more than 39 years. He was called to active duty in the US Army during the Korean Conflict in the 1950s and retired from the North Dakota National Guard in 1990 with the rank of Major. Gordon was also active in Mandan civic life. His fraternal service included serving as exalted ruler of the Mandan Elks and Knights of Columbus. He served as president of the Mandan Golf Association for nine years and helped lead the group’s involvement in constructing Mandan’s new golf course. He was also an active volunteer and accomplished woodcarver, serving many years with the Flickertail Woodcarvers as a member and Club president. 

After his wife’s death, Gordon moved to Texas, where his brother, Ben and sister, Genny resided. Gordon will be missed by all who knew him. He was endlessly generous, and would happily give you the shirt off his back if he thought it would help. He always brought a smile to the room (often with his quirky sense of humor) and kept a positive, can-do attitude, even as he faced physical challenges resulting from the accident he suffered as a young man. 

Gordon is survived by his two daughters, Robyn Dietrich-Law (Jay) of Andover, MN; and Sara Dietrich (Timothy Johnson) of Lakeville, MN; his grandchildren Peter and Joe Law; several cousins, nieces and nephews. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Margaret “Peggy” (Owens), and his brothers – Ben, Gene, Christ and Robert Dietrich and Patrick Schleicher – and his sister Genny.