William F. ‘Deke’ Dieck touched many lives with his warmth, his
energy and his passion for life.
William F. ‘Deke’ Dieck touched many lives with his warmth, his energy and his passion for life. He died suddenly on Thursday, Jan. 8, at the age of 61, while giving a flying lesson near the Hollister Airport.
Deke was born in Peoria, Ill. on Aug. 20, 1942, the oldest of six children. His passion and dreams for flying began at an early age. Eager to learn to fly, he entered the United States Air Force after graduating from high school. His accomplishments in the Air Force led him to a career in electronics. Several years later, Deke became a licensed general aviation pilot and later a flight instructor. He was an active member of numerous aviation associations: USUA (United States Ultralight Association) in both Virginia and California; a member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association); AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association); and the Hollister Airmen’s Association. Deke was a supporter and contributor to several different groups within the EAA, Experimenters, Homebuilders, Antiques, and was a “Young Eagles Flight Leader” introducing children, ages 6 to 18, to the experience of flight for the very first time. Following a long career in computer electronics with Amdahl Corporation, Deke was appointed Executive Director of the Wings of History Museum in San Martin, leading the preservation of aviation history and providing leadership and inspiration to young children exploring flight.
Deke was the beloved husband of Laurie Dineen Dieck, loving father of William ‘Billy’ Dieck and Brett Michael Dieck; caring stepfather to Lise Dineen McCarthy, Michael Dineen and Amy Dineen; and a devoted grandfather to seven. He had five siblings, brother Michael John Dieck and sisters Marilyn Betterton, Susanne Robb and Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Josephine Marie Dieck and youngest sister Leila D. Pettigrew.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Lima Family Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara. Deke’s final resting place will be in San Jose.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alliance for Lupus Research, 28 W. 44 St., suite 1217, New York, NY 10036, (212) 218-2340, www.lupusresearch.org/donate.html.
