Wayne "Todd" Dietrich, age 66, passed away at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota on October 12, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was diagnosed in 2009 with Multiple Myeloma and later Amyloidosis. Thankfully, we were blessed with 7 years of remission from 2013 - 2020. When his cancer came back in 2020 he selflessly endured numerous cancer treatments to stay with his family as long as possible because he knew how much they needed him. He initially was given 3-5 years to live, but his positivity, love for life and devotion to his family and friends kept him with us for much longer. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, grandpa, uncle, and friend.

Todd was born in McLaughlin, SD to Wayne and Jan (Eby) Dietrich on May 15, 1957.  He grew up in McLaughlin and moved to Rapid City after he attended vocational school in Sturgis where he obtained a degree in agricultural sciences.  He later attended National College where he focused his efforts on having a good time! Todd had various occupations throughout the years, and in 2011 retired from MDU after 20 dedicated years. There he made lifelong friends and memories.

He met DeeAnn in 1983 shortly after he became the bass player for RPM.  DeeAnn was a faithful band groupie along with many of their other friends. After years of friendship, they finally fell in love and married on July 30th, 1988.  They just celebrated 35 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and dedication to each other.  Together they had two beautiful children, Nick born in 1991 and Sami in 1994. They were the light of his life and he would have done anything for them.  He never missed the big or small things in their lives, whether that was something as big as their graduation, a wedding, or something small like a soccer game, or an afternoon of fishing or hanging out in the shop.

So many things brought joy to Todd's life. He took pride in his home and immaculate yard, he loved landscaping and making things beautiful for everyone that came to visit. Todd loved music and found peace playing his guitar even on the hardest days. The music that filled their home brought joy to everyone who entered.  He loved being outside, whether that was boating at Angostura, kayaking at Pactola or 4wheeling in the hills. Him and Nick spent quality time fishing, flying remote control airplanes and working in the shop while talking about life. He bragged about Nick every chance he got and was his biggest advocate. Todd and Sam laughed hardest when they were together, sharing lame jokes and poking fun at DeeAnn and Nick. He was her biggest champion and worked tirelessly to help bring her dreams to life. She was daddy's little girl and had him wrapped around her finger from the day she was born. Todd and DeeAnn had a relationship that others admired, they were best friends and loved each other deeply. They shared so many hobbies, but were always happy as long as they were together. In June of this year, he welcomed his first grandson Jaden.  He looked forward to the day he would have grandkids for so many years and nothing made him happier than having Jaden fall asleep in his arms. He was an amazing son, brother, uncle and friend. There were countless people in his life that brought him happiness.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate, DeeAnn, son Nick, daughter Sami (Davon) Lesselyoung, grandson Jaden, his mother Jan, sisters Tracy (Tom) Lessin and Trudy (Kevin) Lahren, and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Dietrich.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Monday, October 17, 2023 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home and one prior to the service on Tuesday.

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 am at Rimrock Ev. Church, 12200 West Highway 44.

Burial will take place at Mt. View Cemetery in Keystone.

Arrangements with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.