Velma Irene Dietze
Velma Irene Dietze, 100, of Medford, passed away on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 at her home while under the care of Hope Hospice. ShewasbornMay4,1924 in Carlton, Saskatchewan, Canada to Frank and Mary (Janda) Strankman. Her family farmed in Canada, and when Velma was just 10 years old, a drought threatened their livelihood, and so the family packed up all of their belongings, including livestock, and took a train to Medford, where Velma’s mother had family. When they arrived in Medford, there was no way to their new homestead in the town of Gad other than to walk there.
As children, there were no buses to take them to school so Velma and her sister, Anita, often walked or rode their horses to school in Gad. Once they were in high school, Velma and Anita stayed with relatives in town during the school week. Velma graduated from Medford High School in 1943.
Following high school, she met a young, handsome fellow named Roland Dietze at a local dance hall. The two were united in marriage on June 3, 1944 and they began life together on Roland’s family farm in the town of Deer Creek. Velma worked at Hurd Millwork during this time.
On a trip to Canada with her own two children to visit relatives, it was discovered that Velma, and her sister Anita, had never legally become citizens of the United States! The two sisters immediately began the immigration process, taking classes and traveling to Madison for testing to gain citizenship. In 1963, Velma and Anita proudly became citizens of the U.S.
1924-2025
In 1964, Velma began her career of working as an emergency room tech at the Medford Hospital, retiring in 1997. She then became a driver for Comfort Carriers, taking people to doctor’s appointments and such, a job she very much enjoyed.
Following the passing of her husband Roland in 2006, Velma moved into an apartment in Medford where she enjoyed flower gardening, crocheting, knitting, sewing, doing alterations for others, and baking. She loved making desserts for family gatherings. She also enjoyed traveling and camping. Her family cherishes memories of trips out west with Velma’s motorhome towing a fishing boat, and finding the perfect spot to camp, fish and spend time together.
She is survived by her daughter, Blanche Jauernig of Dorchester; granddaughters, Stacy Ungerer (Jayme Myszka) of Wausau, Nikki (Phil) Meyer of Dorchester; her beloved great-grandchildren, Teah, Brinley, Jaeden, Hailey, McKinley, Cole and Tenley; a greatgreat- grandson, Leo; special caregiver and nephew, Tim Ruesch of Medford; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roland; a son, Douglas; siblings, Anita, a brother in infancy and a sister in childhood; her son-in-law, Leo Jauernig; and her fur baby companion, Rico.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Stetsonville with Rev. Richard Russow officiating. Interment will be held at a later date at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Stetsonville.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m., Saturday at the church.
Memorials are appreciated and may go to the family for designation at a later date.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 164711
