Dr. H.G. Diettrich, MD

Herrin- Dr. Hans Gerhard Diettrich, M.D., 83, of Herrin, passed away at 1:38 PM, Saturday, October 15, 2005 at Herrin Hospital. Hans was born on March 24, 1922 in Insterbruck, Germany to Alfred & Kathe (Eigner) Diettrich. When he was sixteen he was featured regularly on National Radio, where he sang and played his flute. He served as a physician in the German infantry during WWII and fought on the Russian front. As a result, he was taken prisoner and befriended the commandant who in turn allowed him to escape. Dr. Diettrich set up private practice on Cherry St. in downtown Herrin in 1960 and retired in 1996 at his location on 18th Street. He held audiences with both President Ronald Reagan (as part of a delegation of Physicians in Herrin) and Pope John Paul (just being in the wrong place at the right time). He was a gifted photographer and community activist. He won several Masters Awards from the American Physicians Art Association and served as president of the Herrin Rotary Club and American Cancer Association. He was a kind, selfless and caring man who dedicated his life to the well being of others. SURVIVORS: Son & daughter in law- Greg & Jan Diettrich- Roanoke Rapids, NC Son & daughter in law- Alex (Sandy) & Linda E. Diettrich- Glenwood City, WI Grandchildren- Christina, Stephanie & Michael Diettrich- Roanoke Rapids, NC Grandchild- Joshua Tousignant- Minneapolis, MN Grandchild- Afton Eland- Minneapolis, MN Sister- Ursula Diettrich- Jena, Thuringen, Germany Sister- Christa Geise- Jena, Thuringen, Germany Nephew- Eckhart Geise & wife Renate- Jena, Thuringen, Germany Great Nephew- Wolfram Geise- Jena, Thuringen, Germany Great Nephew- Steffen Geise & wife Karin- Jena, Thuringen, Germany Close Friends- Hans & Marlis Bank and family- Murphysboro Close Friend- Judy Gentile- Herrin Close Friend- Josh Johnson- Herrin He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother; Wolfgang Diettrich, and one sister; Hanalora Seiforth. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Don Colson will officiate. A time of reflection will be held from 9:00 AM until 11:00AM, Wednesday at the funeral home. Private inurnment services will take place at a later date at the family home in Jena, Thuringen, Germany. Memorial donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society or Diabetes Research and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit, www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.