Lewis “Bud”, Charles Dietrich, age 88, passed away July 24, 2011. He was born in Mullen, Nebraska on May 14th, 1923 to Harry & Collona Dietrich.

Lewis was a World War II veteran, serving in Italy and North Africa in the Air Force. He worked for Kaiser Sand and Gravel as a precision welder. He personally worked on Henry J. Kaiser’s home and racing boat. From 1955 to 1985 he worked at the Livermore Lab on many jobs that were classified, as well as projects directed by Albert Einstein and Edward Teller. Bud was very proud of his father Harry Dietrich who was appointed the postmaster of Pleasanton by President Roosevelt and had a restaurant called Dietrich’s Café in Pleasanton on Main Street. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved exploring the outdoors and old ghost towns with his childhood friend Bill Boyd. He belonged to the Elk’s, Moose, Clampers and Eagles Lodges.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife Madge and by his son Ricky.

Bud is survived by his daughter Sharon (Mike) Fuller of Pleasanton, son Lewis (Lori) Dietrich of Salida, and son Rob (Nancy) Dietrich of Manteca and by his grandchildren Duke (Dayna) Fuller, Schelly (Clay) Frades, Renee (Eric) Mueller, Chris (Alexandra) Dietrich, Mitchell (Rachael) Dietrich, and Alyssa Dietrich. He adored his six great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren. We will miss his many stories.

A memorial service will be held at Callaghan Mortuary, 3833 East Ave., Livermore, Ca., Thursday, August 4 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Hope Hospice, 6377 Clark Avenue # 100, Dublin, CA 94568 or to your favorite charity. Callaghan Mortuary (925) 447-2942.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Sunday, July 31, 2011