Clarence J. “Bud” Dietz, 86, of Dubuque, died Friday, August 9, 2024, at his home.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Bud will be 10:30 am Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque with full military honors by the American Legion Post #6.

Clarence was born October 12, 1937, in Dubuque, the son of Clarence G. and Christine M. Koster Dietz. On September 14, 1957, he married the love of his life, Gertrude D. Kass at the old St. Philomena’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

He attended St. Columbkille School.

Bud was a 4th generation farmer on the Dietz Family Heritage Farm which was established in 1863.

He was a member of Church of the Resurrection. When he wasn’t tending to the farm, Bud could often be found indulging in his many passions. He loved fishing, hunting and later in life golfing. He had a fondness for calf roping at the rodeo, participating in antique tractor pulls, and going for walks. His appreciation for tractors was more than just practical; he had a collection of Oliver tractors that he took great pride in. His legacy is one of dedication, passion, and a deep connection to his family, community and his farm land.

Survivors include his wife, Gert; one son, Larry (Diane) Dietz of Dubuque; three daughters, Cheryl (Jeff) Schueller of Dryden, MI, Sandy (Rusty) Bahl of Sherrill, and Susan Heacock of Farley; 10 grandchildren, Clint (Kelly) Dietz, Brooke (Aaron) Horkheimer, Clayton (Becky Kluesner) Dietz, Jon (Angela Winer) Dietz, Kristen Dietz, Tanner Bahl, Mataya Bahl, Dylan Heacock, Samantha Heacock, and Dawson (Kaylee Schueller) Heacock; nine great-grandchildren, Owen, Wyatt, Ava, Kaitlyn, Carter, Kayden, Joseph, Josie, and McKinley; and and two brothers-in-law, Nick (Al) Kass and Bill Tigges, both of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Gary in infancy, and Jerry “Pudge”, his parents, three sisters, Jean Marie in infancy, Myrene, and Loaine, and two brothers, Kenneth and John.

The family thanks Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kim, Sara, Nichole, and Peggy, for their care and support.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Bud’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.