Christopher Dietz

Christopher “Chris” E. Dietz, 65, of Millersburg, IN passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born in Elkhart, IN on June 15, 1958 to the late Hanns-Bertold and Julia L. (Latta) Dietz.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Susan Dietz; children, Jessica Palentino, Miranda Hollar, and Lucas (Dorinda) Dietz; grandchildren, Gale Hershberger and Kaspar Dietz; sisters, Karin Allen and Barbara Dietz; and a host of loving nieces and nephews as well as extended family and friends.

In accordance with Chris’ wishes, cremation was chosen and will take place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin Street, Elkhart, IN. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Heifer International, Habitat for Humanity, or any other local small business.

Chris was an incredibly talented, kind, and generous man who would do anything to help anyone who needed him. He was the proud founder and owner of Prairie Market in Goshen, IN with his wife Susan. He also founded Dietz Woodworking under Dietz Enterprises Inc. In his youth he grew up in Goshen, IN, but relocated to Austin, TX at age 5 when his father took up a professorship at the University of Texas. In Texas, Chris would develop a love for film, architecture, and astronomy, as well as a host of other skills. He enjoyed working at the Houston Medical Center where he was hired on to film surgeries while he worked in the Media Production Center.

Chris was a true jack of all trades and was a skilled photographer, filmmaker, artist, and business owner. He was also the most incredible husband, father, grandfather, and friend anyone could ever ask to have in their lives. He touched so many people in his community with his generosity and willingness to never hesitate to help those in need. He always did this with a warm and welcoming smile on his face and with the occasional words of wisdom. Susan, our mother, may have been the heart of our family, but Chris was the backbone. Words cannot describe how much he will be incredibly missed by not only his loving family but the people he touched throughout his life. Truly he was everyone’s superhero.